42 They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Because of the close relational bonds, decisions are often made over coffee rather than formal meetings. Church architecture refers to the architecture of buildings of Christian churches. From Reformation theology flows seven characteristics or identity markers of the church. First, the church is doxological, it’s oriented to the glory of God. Let’s look at seven characteristics of the church at Antioch—a local church that changed the world. Distinguishing Characteristics of a True Church. • The Church as Catholic is both gift and task which involves mission and inculturation.• The Catholicity of the Church is more fully realized when its able to assimilate and use … If you want your church to grow, here is a six-pack of growing church characteristics backed up by data. We learn of the treasure of the gospel. The church that welcomes you as a wounded self -- the second church character listed above -- is the Good Friday church. 5:21, Heb. The following are characteristics of the modern-day "remnant church": 1. Christ told those following Him that the greatest command is to love God and love others. Second, the church is Word-centered. Not every institution that calls itself a church is really a true church. Today, these churches occupied the areas that ranged from Asia Minor to present-day Turkey. We enjoy walking with the Lord and doing his will now, but we look forward to something greater in the future. Reformation theology gives impetus to these seven characteristics or identity markers of the church. The church of Thyatira is one of the seven churches in Revelation (Revelation 2:18-26). He is the one who grows people deeper in their faith. It’s created, gifted, united, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Each member had a personal confession of faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Goals are verbalized rather than written. Buy the drums, put the kids up front often. He is the one who tills the soil of hearts, making them receptive to His Gospel. Chist is the head of the church. Thirdly, the church is to be Spirit-activated. To be considered a leader, you have to have people who will follow you. Wear what you want to wear on a Sunday morning, live the life that you would like to live during the week, and bring all of your baggage with you when you walk into worship!" The origin and meaning of Thyatira is not clear. Jesus is always and will be the head of his church. Note what Paul emphasized about the character of the Philip- pian Church: I. When our churches demonstrate the first seven characteristics of the early church, growth is automatic. Not only will it help to promote the stability of the fellowship and dissolve division and strife, but love produces the motivation for the church to fulfill its missions — to care about people, to reach out to the lost and needy of our world. Gregg R. Allison (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is professor of Christian theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. World missions and the work of the local church are integrally related, both ultimately existing to bring honor to Christ among the nations. 1. And, yes, use Facebook. Crossway is a not-for-profit Christian ministry that exists solely for Before we delve into looking at how jesus shares the holy spirit with all who receive baptism and how jesus guides and strengthens his members, we need to know as much as possible who jesus reall was. the purpose of proclaiming the gospel through publishing The Nature and Characteristics of the Small Membership Church Bob I. Johnson (1996; 2004) Review and Expositor Volume 93 (vnp.93.3.369) Narrative is a word commonly used today to describe such religious endeavors as preaching and theology. The people who started the church at Antioch came to that city after a persecution of the church at Jerusalem. They saw their love for one another, the miracles that took place in their midst, and the joy that was in their lives, and they wanted what the Christians had. I say new, because all of these factors are tied to real-time decision making that’s happening in light of the coronavirus, meaningful cultural change and the dislocation that has become life today. 41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added. Characteristic 2: the small church works through informal channels. As I read over portions of Acts and thought of what I’d witnessed this weekend, I realized that there are some very specific characteristics of Christ’s church. It’s the body of divinely-called, divine ministers who proclaim the gospel throughout the world. Characteristics of the church. History. He is the one who draws people to Himself. Allison has taught at several colleges and seminaries, including Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and is the author of numerous books, including Historical Theology; Sojourners and Strangers; and Roman Catholic Theology and Practice. Jesus gave His words to His… People may have looked at the first Christians as weird, but they liked what they were doing. Popular Articles Why It Is so Incredible That "Unto Us a Child Is Born" Alyssa Roat Who Are the Christmas Angels? 7 Characteristics of the Body of Christ. 2:22). We’re sojourners, we’re strangers. What does Jesus share? 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