Form and Function

Teaching Points

• 1

  Function is an activity that needs to be performed (given by God, not to be altered); Form is the method chosen to carry out that function (cultural, adjustable as needed).

• 2

  Biblical functions (worship, fellowship, prayer, evangelism, discipleship, giving, communion) are timeless and supra-cultural; they do not change.

• 3

  Key principles: Function is more important than form; functions are absolute and trans-cultural while forms are non-absolute and variable.

• 4

  When forms freeze, churches die. Church planters must think carefully about form — using only traditional forms may reach the same people.