Date: 8/31/2022
Questions:
In your best estimate, how many people of the ~850-900 attendees at Gateway are regenerate? (Compelling Community, page 46) Certainly very difficult to ascertain but curious how we might assess that after reading chapters 2&3 of the book. Seems our path forward as a church depends largely on how we take inventory of what we have today.
- No real way of knowing.
- Studies have shown that church membership isn’t fool proof.
- I can’t remember the exact study, but one done years ago found somewhere around 50% of church members were actually unregenerate. Meaning they knew Christian language but did not exhibit evidence of a life changed by the gospel — regarding both their beliefs and behaviors.
Not sure how far the elders are in the book (Compelling Community) but anything stand out so far? Any plans for change or action as a result?
- I actually asked the elders for their reply to this question during our last elders meeting. Here’s some of their responses.
- We don’t have this all figured out; we’re open to change, but we need to dig into some things further. Such as…
- Possibly looking at an annual membership renewal; the longer we (members) go without being reminded of expectations, we tend to forget; idea of membership vow reminders before communion
- Appreciate the informal suggestions for community and discipleship vs. starting and maintaining more programs; programs won’t change culture
- Importance of leaders modeling the behaviors we say are important – what should that look like [for us]?
Compelling Community chapters 3 and 4
How would we model that love between believers is a sign of saving faith? (p. 52)
- 1 John 4:19-21 NLT — We love each other because he loved us first. If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.
- Book quote: For John, love between believers isn’t a sign of maturity; it’s a sign of saving faith. (52)
- I think my sermon on the spiritual gifts — when I highlighted that 1st Corinthians 13 love is the love meant to be displayed in the church is a first step.
Calling Based Commitment (p. 54-55)
- Where would you pin Gateway on the scale of Comfort-Based Commitment to Calling-Based Commitment? How would we grow toward Calling-Based Commitment?
- Comfort-based: Serving in the church is a tool to get people committed to the church. Same with small groups, counseling, and other ministry programs. “If we can get people to do ____, then maybe they’ll commit to us.”
- Calling-based: Growth in commitment is good. But growth into commitment is unbiblical. “To be a Christian is to be committed to a local church. With a clear definition of what being committed looks like.”
- Worship – Connect – Serve – Go – Give
The Bible Assumes Commitment is Significant (p. 55-57)
- Would our members agree with this? What kinds of responses might members offer if asked what they think the Bible says about commitment?
- Romans 12:13-16 — When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
- Hebrews 10:24-25 — Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
- Hebrews 3:12-13 — Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your (plural) own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. 13 You (plural) must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you (plural) will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.
- Jude 20-23 — But you (plural), dear friends, must build each other up in your (plural) most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. 22 And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.
Why Diversity Matters (p. 73-75)
- Where do we transcend boundaries described here?
- “If by diversity we only ever mean ethnic diversity, we’re missing the main message…after all, not every region of the world has ethnic diversity.” (73)
- Diversity e.g.: age; economics; politics; social ability; cultural background
- “Unity will often require sacrificing our interests for those of our brothers and sisters in the Lord.” (75)
- What sacrifices am I making (or refusing to make) for my brothers and sisters in the Lord at Gateway?
- Hard not to think of Philippians 2. “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ” (Philippians 2:1-11 NLT)
- Since Christ has done this for you — dear Christian — what are the implications for how you’re now to sacrifice for others?
“A church composed of natural friends says little about the power of the gospel. Yet the gospel-revealing community of natural enemies will require sacrifice in every aspect of our life together.” (p. 81)
- How do we foster an environment where enemies / people of differing backgrounds are drawn to one another? How do we do this ourselves?
- E.g. in the book: sacrifice…our comfort (some folks are easier to talk to after the service than others), our preferences (music style; food we serve at a gathering), our resources and time (money; serving), our habits (are people able to interrupt your plans and routines).