THE AFTERWORD | Called Out - Week 4
What does the word “church” mean, as understood and articulated by the authors of the New Testament? Can we glean a proper definition that will help us understand not only what it is, but what it isn’t - AND our unique role in it? David and Jay sit down to talk through a formal definition of “the church” first offered by Dr. Gerry Breshears from Western Seminary. And in the process we see how this definition both challenges and comforts us.
FORMAL DEFINITION: (1) The church is a group of confessing believers (2) under organized, qualified leadership (3) who participate in the sacraments (of baptism and communion) (4) who are being holistically formed as individuals and as a group to follow Jesus by (a) being witnesses who tell the Jesus story with invitation to join (b) being edified and equipped to practice and live in the way of Jesus (c) exalt Jesus as the Messiah, the King of King and Lord of Lords and (d) who build shalom by doing works of compassion, goodness and justice and (5) who gather regularly.