Teaching Points
- 1
An inadequate definition of the local church will hinder church planting — the definition reveals what the planter expects to produce.
- 2
Church planters should avoid prescribing forms, structure, and programs; instead, stress the biblical functions the church must perform.
- 3
Church planters do not plant fully developed churches but sow seeds which grow into mature churches — the definition should resemble a 'seed' not a fully developed 'tree'.
- 4
Functions that must be present: believers gathered, worship, fellowship, teaching, ordinances (baptism, Lord's Supper), and outward witness.
Scriptures
Discussion Questions
- 1
When is a group of people a church? What are the criteria?
- 2
What unnecessary items are typically added to people's working definition of the church?
- 3
Why is it wrong to focus on forms when defining the local church?
- 4
With your church planting team, develop and agree upon a definition of the church.