Posts of Jesse Wesselink RSSTue, 13 Dec 2022 15:33:56 GMT Here is a window into the shared life and function of a home-based assembly/fellowship/ekklesia in Greensboro, NC. As you will see below, there is no official process to ratify this description. It is from one member's vantage point. We are all free to share, describe, and invite people to our group as the Spirit leads us. This post is my invitation to you if you live in or near Greensboro, NC. That said, I believe this accurately reflects our current state as I have experienced it, or heard it discussed within the group.We are a group of Jesus' disciples (multiple families) who gather regularly (usually at least weekly) to "stir one another up toward love and good works" as one small part of Christ's global family. We have embraced along the way several values that shape our relationships, gatherings, and work - all of which have helped us to function as a family rather than a corporation: open "membership", shared authority, shared responsibility, shared resources, and a shared center of gravity. Following are some explanations for what I mean by each value. It's worth noting that these values could (should, in my view) be applied throughout all our relationships within Jesus' family, not just with "our group" - at least to the extent that brothers and sisters we encounter will allow, welcome, and embrace them. To that end, we are always open to wider connection with disciples of Jesus - connections that may be less frequent or intimate, but can still be sources of support, help, and encouragement as the needs or opportunities arise. So back to the values...Open membership:There's no official membership role. So "membership" includes all of Christ's family who choose to participate (any who trust and follow Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God). If you show up and are "in Christ", you are already in - and encouraged to participate fully! 1 Cor 1:2, Eph 4:1-7, 1 John 5:1. Of course, the more frequent your participation, the more opportunity you have to impact and b... Read more

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