Authentic Christian Community

I'm still rattling on about non-negotiables. Another one is authentic Christian community. There are some important issues here

- the corporate nature of faith

In our individualistic western culture we must keep on emphasising that there is no such thing as private faith in Christ or solo service. Jesus called us to be members of a body, branches on a vine, soldiers in an army etc

- honesty, accountability, forgiveness and love

Many years ago I read something by the late Selwyn Hughes in EDWJ. He wrote about billiard ball Christians, who met every now and then, clicked together for an hour on a Sunday when someone pushed them together but quickly retreated back into their separate pockets. We are committed to the cell model, where strong relationships are being built because the Christian life is not a game on a table but a battle field. If we are going to survive we need more than a nodding aquaintance with one another. We will need to get to know and trust one another.

- acceptance and inclusiveness

We all think we are accepting and inclusive but the scandal is that so many people in our society think that they have to change before they will be welcomed by the Christian community.

- encounter with the God

"If nothing supernatural is happening in our midst then we can call ourselves a club, a society, a discussion group or a charitable organisation but we cannot call ourselves a church." (Alan Young 12th February 2006)

Thank God something supernatural is happening in Northallerton. We had a prayer day yesterday and we felt the Spirit's gentle presence among us. God also spoke powerfully through his word. (see Andrew Bale's blog on Beyond the Brook) We are a tiny fellowship but our worship was so real and genuine this morning. God is good and lives are being transformed by his grace.

- expression of commitment and belonging

Just as a marriage covenant is an important thing for two people to enter into if they love one another and want to enter into a completely intimate relationship with one another then a follower of Jesus needs to be given opportunity to express their committment to God and to his people in some way. We need to nail our colours to the mast and declare our love.

Do I hear any Amen's to all this stuff?

God bless

Carol