decentralized cells

For many of us, our thoughts recently turned back to the epic terrorist attack on NYC. 9 11 2001.

Underneath the surface, Al Qaeda has a very ingenious plan similar, in a strange way, to what Christ commissioned his disciples. I am referring to independent, decentralized cells. Obviously one party here is involved with death - another with life. 

Bin Laden, the head of Al Qaeda authorized all cells worldwide to inflict as much damage to their enemy, in anyway possible. Advance permission to act was not required. Further training was not required.

Every Christian has the DNA of the church within them via Christ. Each of us, male or female, can act/serve/proclaim in his name, in whatever capacity we are able. And in any location, near or far. Of course, we can personally lead others to the Living Water. We don't merely invite them to a church. And of course we can meet as the church, many or few.

But what if no church has been planted yet? This is not a problem as big as we may think. Actually, it is the Gospel seed which is planted. As God gives the increase, converts simply meet AS the church. Thus the phrases, occurring 3 times in the book of Acts, about converts being "added to the Church or to the Lord". And thus the lack of phrases about starting churches or planting churches or organizing churches or waiting for a enough people to form a core group in order to form a church. 

Yes, the apostles appointed elders in every church. But both already exisited - the churches and the elders. The elder's appointment or "ordination" was an appointment to their natural role of oversight or shepherding the younger ones. As for "further training", it is always desired but not required. The requirements for shepherds are by and large moral - not academic.

Be careful. The moment one fixates upon planting a church - it is at that moment that primal simplicity can end and 'institutional creep' invariably begin. The emphasis in Scripture is much greater than individual churches - it is the discipling of the nations.