The Antioch Church
The Antioch Church
-- A model for church multiplication and movement
Central Text: Acts 11:19-30; 13:1
The church that emerged and grew in Antioch was a result of a move of God. It didn’t happen through the work of the apostles or “named” leaders of the church in Jerusalem. It was a result of “common”, every-day disciples that were obedient to Jesus in going into the world and making disciples.
Several characteristics that marked the Church in Antioch are key values that we hold to and aspire to reach at Sent Church.
The Antioch Church was a:
Grassroots Church: (vs. 19-20) – Our church will not be a movement of paid, professional clergy, but a movement of mobilized, Spirit-empowered Christ followers engaging in the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.
We gather and scatter as the church to infect every nook and cranny of our community with the Gospel.
Growing Church: (vs. 21;24) – There will be numerical growth if we are gospel-centered and preaching Jesus. If we are faithful to what Jesus has called us to, he will cause the growth.
Grace-Filled Church: vs. 23 – If God is at work then there should be a manifestation of God’s grace on the people. This grace is expressed through changed lives that engage in passionate worship, sincere devotion to Christ and service to others.
Grounded Church: vs.26 – We will faithfully teach God’s Word and make disciples who aren’t just hearers of the Word, but doers also. We hold to a high view of Scriptures.
Giving Church – vs.29 – We will be church of Christ-followers who will live with the determination to give according to our ability as needs are presented. We will not give because of compulsion or coercion of man but because we are genuinely moved by the Spirit and will give joyfully and cheerfully and with a grateful heart.
Gifted Church: 13:1-3 – The five-fold ministry gifts will be activated to mobilize this “sent” army, commissioned by the Holy Spirit to fulfill our Kingdom Assignment.
If there is anything of the early church that we should seek to possess, these are qualities that we should manifest in abundance.
