Total Church - Introduction

A little summary of the introduction to Total Church...

Tim Chester and Steve Timmis make it clear that they don't want church without the gospel and they don't want church without the fellowship of believers. They see that a church that is focused on the gospel and community is one where people can genuinely live out their lives as Christians and one where the gospel can be seen to be real in what is a post-Christian era.

They see Christian practice governed by the gospel and community. The fact it is governed by the gospel means it will be word centred and mission centred. The fact that it is governed by community means it will be real.

Some of the implications are drawn out:

1. that church is an identity and not a responsibility
2. that being Christian effects all of life as it is lived in relationship with others
3. that churches might run less 'events' and share our lives with others
4. new congregations might be more important than growing existing ones
5. the study of the Bible for preaching is done in fellowship with others
6. mission and pastoral care is a 24/7 part of life and not a 'program'
7. learning to disciple one another

For discussion:

1. What kind of church do you want to be part of?

2. What do you need to do to help it be that kind of place?

I found this little introduction from Tim on Youtube....