Had a talk with Vivian and she pointed out that we had not yet formulated the objective for our report. I took a shot at it - please review and comment.

Thanks
Lillian


Back to Basics
LUMC- Circuit RIDERS
May 2009

Over the years research has been done, surveys taken, studies conducted, data gathered and information analyzed in an attempt to define the characteristics of growing healthy churches. Quality characteristic have been defined, paradigms shifted, programs developed, steps outlined and models formed. In their effort to find the “secret” to church growth, church leaders either try blended approaches or pick a strategy. Since no two churches are the same what worked in one church might not work in another. Leaders may find themselves in an endless loop trying one strategy after another looking for a model that works. Leaders may become so caught up in the “HOW” of the 21st century that they may lose site of the “WHAT” of the 1st century.

In their discussions of the problems facing the church today, the 2008 – 2009 Leadership UMS Circuit Riders turned to the one book, the BIBLE, that lays out the “WHAT” and “HOW” of the church. In Matthew 28 Jesus is very clear about the “WHAT” - to baptize, teach (equip) and make disciples. In Acts 2 the “HOW” is explained. After the ascension, the Spirit descended on the disciples and through the power of the spirit and the grace of God their numbers grew. The group does not mean to imply that information gathered and published over the years should be ignored. It is in fact valuable information. However, the group feels that church leaders have become too reliant on what men have written. The purpose of his paper is to encourage church leaders to look first to the bible to identify “HOW” that fulfill the Great Commission.

The paper will focus on the activities outlined in Acts 2:42-47 prayer, breaking of bread, teaching/learning, gathering together, sharing and caring. Other bible references will be studied as necessary. For each topic the scripture will be discussed as follows:
1. What does it say
2. What did it mean for the 1st century church
3. What does it mean today
4. What can be done at the local church level to get back to the basics outlined in ACTS 2 that are crucial for creating an environment for growth