Quote:
Originally Posted by JJ
I am a member of Christ’s body. Meeting with other members and serving Christ with them are essential.
|
Yes and amen - I cannot imagine going on without the body! This is the way He designed it . . . to be knit together in love! I am so, so, so very thankful He put me where He has me and with those believers around me. I have to "pinch" myself often and remind myself how faithful He has been in my life, and has me right where I need to be.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JJ
I often ask the same questions about gathering style. What you may be referring to is what I’ve heard termed “Brethren Style” gatherings, which is where the LC got their gathering style from, I believe.
|
That was a really good listing of groups that meet in the open style of gathering! And thanks for the reminder that it was The Brethren that began doing that. However, if I remember right, in the book "The Pilgrim Church" (by Broadbent), certain ancient and obscure churches may have also had that kind of gathering. As is pointed out by Henry Hon (One Body Life), there are ministries and there is the ekklesia (called-out gathering). Ministries are fine, but too often it gets all focused on those ministering, or some doctrine/practice and not on Christ. And then often the full and free functioning of the members of the body is suppressed.