Grateful for our “Dying” Church

We are so grateful to have been a part of this little church family. All of us were either in our 80s, 70s, or 60s. Many among Evangelicals might have called us a “dying church”. And yet it was an answer to prayer to be a part of such a New Testament assembly.

It was so freeing to be simply brothers and sisters together; to have a true plurality of leadership; to have the brothers participate in the teaching and the leading of communion; to have the Bible as our standard of truth and not the opinions of anyone of us. We each had the freedom to participate. We each had the freedom to disagree. All of us were an active part of the Body of Christ at large through family and friends and fellowship and ministry and service.

The Body of Christ is a living organism and as such cells reproduce and die. Institutions that are set in stone may last longer but…

Even though the circumstances of life brought us to a point of dissolution, each of us will continue to fellowship with Jesus’ church. In eternity, I’m pretty sure age won’t mean much. It was a great blessing for us to fellowship together, regardless of age. Jesus builds His church.

 

The Purpose and Mission of the Church

purpose_jimbaum_04.22.2012

“…to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.”

Ephesians 3:10-12

Jim Baumgaertel

April 22nd, 2012

 

Biblical View of Church series