Multiply II:1 - Life in the Church

This week, we begin the second section of Multiply, in which we will spend the next three weeks focusing on the purpose, role, and function of the church, and our place in it.

As Francis Chan candidly points out, we were not meant to live as 'Lone Ranger Christians.'  The church is really not an optional expression of faith; it is the central means of Christ's plan to reconcile the world to Himself.  It is even more than that - the church is the Bride of Christ.

On this note, I want to encourage you to join us on Thursday mornings as we journey through this study together.  "Church" happens whenever and wherever two or more of us gather in His name, including over coffee at Dunkin Donuts.

Come and be a part of the living church!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Part II - Living as the Church: Life in the Church

1. Why do you think the New Testament places such a priority on Christians being committed members (or parts) of local churches? How can this priority best be reflected in your life?
2. Read Ephesians 4:1–16. How should this passage affect the way you view your responsibility to other Christians in the church?
3. Think about your unique setting and identify a few opportunities that God has given you to minister to the people around you. Have you taken advantage of these opportunities?
4. Take a few minutes to meditate on Galatians 6:1–2. What would it look like to help bear someone else’s burden? Is there anyone in your life right now whom you should be helping in this way?
5. Why do you think we tend to focus on the external circumstances and behavior when we try to help people change?
6. Using your own words, try to explain why it is essential to get to the heart of the problem rather than merely addressing the circumstances and behavior.
7. How should the truth of the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit affect the way we approach helping people change?
8. Would you say that your church body is characterized more by defeat and isolation or the power and transformation of the Holy Spirit? Why do you say that?
9. What steps can you take right away to help your church function more like God intended?
10. Would you say that you have been playing your part in the body of Christ? If so, how might you still need to grow in this? If not, are you ready to get involved? What steps might you need to take?
11. Spend some time in prayer. Ask God to give you confidence in the Spirit’s power to use you in ministering to other people. Ask Him for the wisdom to know what to do and the discernment to recognize people who need help. Pray that God would use you and your church to continue His plan of redemption in your unique setting.

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from Francis Chan’s book “Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples,” and are posted here for further reflection and study in conjunction with the full text of the book found at MultiplyMovement.com.