WE BELONG TO ONE ANOTHER: STUDY “By becoming a Christian, I belong to God and I belong to my brothers and sisters. It is not that I belong to God and then make a decision to join a local church. My being in Christ means being in Christ with those others who are in Christ. This is my identity. This is our identity…If the church is the body of Christ, then we should not live as disembodied Christians…The church, then, is not something additional or optional. It is at the very heart of God's purposes. Jesus came to create a people who would model what it means to live under his rule. It would be a glorious outpost of the kingdom of God, an embassy of heaven. This is where the world can see what it means to be truly human.” o from Total Church by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis The New Testament uses a variety of images and metaphors to describe the church. They break down into four main categories: body, marriage, family, and building. Each metaphor is used to highlight a different aspect of the church. If you were to study every reference, you’d gain a deeper appreciation for the texture of the church. But what unifies these images is the communal “one another” aspect of each. A body is comprised of parts; a marriage is the union of a man and woman; a family is the sum of its members; and a building only stands when the materials are joined and fit properly together. There are some Christians who assume that the church is extra-curricular. They live as if participation in the life of the church were optional. But this shouldn’t be the case. The New Testament paints a robust picture of communal life where the values of sharing, generosity, accountability, and common vision / mission are lived out within the realm of the ordinary rhythms of life. In a fast-paced, individualistic culture, the church and its emphasis on “one another” may appear inconvenient. Yet it’s the “inconvenience” of life together which deepens the Christian experience and opens doors of gospel possibilities! INSTRUCTIONS: On the next page you’ll have the opportunity to explore the textures of the church as described in the New Testament. Within group settings, a “divide-and-conquer” approach may be best. Consider assigning 2-3 people per section to report back to the group their findings. As you read, take notes on the following: i) What does the text make clear about the nature of the church? ii) Do I live as if this characteristic of the church were true? iii) Where could I make adjustments in order to more fully take part in the “one another” nature of the church?
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1. BODY: Read I Corinthians 12:12-31
2. MARRIAGE: Read Ephesians 5:22-33
3. FAMILY: Read Acts 2:42-47; 4:34-37
4. BUILDING: Read Ephesians 2:19-22
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WE BELONG TO ONE ANOTHER: REFLECT Throughout the New Testament, the Apostle Paul and others outline one of the great rewards of church membership, that of using your gifts for the benefit of the larger body. In the corporate world you might be encouraged to use your skills, talents, and gifts for self-advancement. But within the church, you’re invited to use those gifts for the benefit of others. Each of us have been given spiritual gifts (talents, temperaments, personalities, strengths, and even weaknesses) to be used for the flourishing and building up of the church. Here’s a simple guide to begin helping you discern how and where to use your gifts. Use the space below to record your ideas. o Affinity (“Look out”): Look at concrete needs in the community around you. What needs do you “vibrate” to? What problems or kinds of people or ministry needs move you?
o Ability (“Look in”): Are you sure you can do it? Have you got the skills?
o Opportunity (“Look up”): Are there people who want you to do it? Where does the community tell me I am needed?
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ENCOURAGEMENT: Self-assessment is helpful. But opening up the discussion for others to comment on your strengths (and weaknesses) in determining your gift mix can be a healthy exercise.
Affinity
Ability
Opportunity Opportunity
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WE BELONG TO ONE ANOTHER: PRACTICE Using your gifts to serve the church runs along a continuum from formal to informal. There are deacons and elders who serve the church as “officers.” This is more formal. But every Christian is encouraged to use their gifts to meet the needs of the broader community. This is the “general office” that every believer holds. Consider how you can serve the needs of others around you. Begin organically. Start with your family, your co-workers, or community group. But we’d also like to invite you to explore serving within a ministry at Redeemer. Prayerfully consider serving for a season of 3-6 months and then evaluating, with others, if this were a healthy fit for you and the church. o Welcome Ministry: This ministry is committed to assisting people on the journey from visitor to family with warm and authentic interactions. It's our desire that people would experience God's love and sense of belonging through us. People serve on different teams ranging from Parking, Connect Center, Refreshments, and Ushers. Contact:
[email protected]. o Redeemer Kids: From Bible stories and crafts to music, games, and memory work, our trained volunteers are committed to instructing children and caring for their needs. Contact:
[email protected]. o Redeemer Students: Our vision is to disciple students, helping them to understand who they are in Christ, while empowering them to make an impact where they are for Christ. We are comprised of Club 56 (5th-6th grade), Junior High Students (7th-8th grade), and Senior High Students (9th-12th grade). Contact:
[email protected]. o Hope for San Diego: Hope for San Diego raises awareness, engages volunteers and provides financial resources to trusted affiliates (local non-profit agencies) who are holistically and sustainably serving poor or marginalized populations across the city. Contact:
[email protected].
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~ ADDITIONAL WAYS TO SERVE: There are many other ways to get involved at Redeemer from Women’s Ministry, to Men’s Ministry, to Missions, to participating in a RedeemerU seminar. For additional information on how to get involved, contact:
[email protected].
~ JOIN A COMMUNITY GROUP: If you’re not in a Community Group with Redeemer, we’d like to invite you to take the step of finding one that will work for you. This is the best place to deepen your experience of belonging to “one another” here at Redeemer. Contact:
[email protected].
~ BECOME A MEMBER: In a commitment averse culture, becoming a formal member of a church is an intentional step in committing yourself to love and serve its members. The first step in exploring membership is by attending Redeemer 101. There you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the vision and values of Redeemer as well as the core commitments of membership. Dates for 101: Oct. 9,16,23. Contact:
[email protected].
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