The Perfect Church?

[Luke2427]

What would it look like?

What kind of preaching, singing, ministry, atmosphere, attitude, philosophy, etc... would it have?

You might answer it this way, "It would be a church where _________________________________."

I don't mean in a perfect world, btw- I mean a perfect church in an IMPERFECT world.

And I don't mean a church full of perfect people- I mean a church with the perfect philosophy of ministry.

I'll get us started:

It would be a church where Christ-centered, expository preaching is tremendously valued and at the pinnacle of what we do.

It would be a church where people build close relationships with one another, eating at one another's houses, going to concerts and movies together, etc...

It would be a church where you could have a beer- maybe not AT church but with church members out and about knowing that the body is mature enough to know that moderation, not abstinence, is the key and that God has made such things for us to enjoy together.

It would be a church that believes it exists to make disciples of the nations and holds itself firmly accountable for how effective it is in pursuing that task.


I have other characteristics but what about you? What do you think a "perfect church" in this age looks like?

 

[Arbo]

Having a beer at a Baptist men's meeting would be a novel idea. :laugh:

 

[InTheLight]

It would be a church where people build close relationships with one another, eating at one another's houses, going to concerts and movies together, etc...

It would be a church where you could have a beer- maybe not AT church but with church members out and about knowing that the body is mature enough to know that moderation, not abstinence, is the key and that God has made such things for us to enjoy together.

Wining and dining and entertainment. Oh my...

What about weed or cocaine (in a state or country where it is legal)? Would your perfect church allow members to enjoy those created things in moderation as well?

 

[Arbo]

I can see it in the bulletin: Baptist Boozer Fellowship Night...

 

[Yeshua1]

Wining and dining and entertainment. Oh my...

What about weed or cocaine (in a state or country where it is legal)? Would your perfect church allow members to enjoy those created things in moderation as well?

A church where Buckeyes and Wolverines could learn to love each other!

Well, maybe tolerate!

 

[12strings]

I might not Put beer at the top of my list of things the perfect church has to have...but the difference between bear and weed is that weed gets you high (what the biblical language might call "drunk") in one puff...

I would ask specifically about the vital necessity of Expository Preaching...but perhaps a new thread so we don't de-rail this one:
http://www.baptistboard.com/showthread.php?p=1974565#post1974565

 

[Yeshua1]

I might not Put beer at the top of my list of things the perfect church has to have...but the difference between bear and weed is that weed gets you high (what the biblical language might call "drunk") in one puff...

I would ask specifically about the vital necessity of Expository Preaching...but perhaps a new thread so we don't de-rail this one:
http://www.baptistboard.com/showthread.php?p=1974565#post1974565

To get back to the OP...

Would say its essential that there be no gossip.backbitiing, that people could be free to share trials/hard times/temptations and not face judgement, and also a group where each one is commited to being a witness for jesus, and who want to grow and mature in their walk with him thru pray/bible study etc!

the power of the church comes thru the people on their kness, parying to the Lord....

 

[Luke2427]

I might not Put beer at the top of my list of things the perfect church has to have...but the difference between bear and weed is that weed gets you high (what the biblical language might call "drunk") in one puff...

I would ask specifically about the vital necessity of Expository Preaching...but perhaps a new thread so we don't de-rail this one:
http://www.baptistboard.com/showthread.php?p=1974565#post1974565

The point I was trying to emphasize that makes the beer statement worthy of making the top list of characteristics is LIBERTY.

A perfect church in this world is one that has a mature sense of liberty- they enjoy the things God made for us to enjoy without having to worry about being attacked by fellow members for doing so.

Beer enjoyed in moderation with fellow members is just an example of the greater point. You can also illustrate the point with going to the beach, or feasting in celebration (eating to the full from time to time without going into a lifestyle of gluttony), etc...

There are several examples we could employ- but the greater point is not the example but what the example illustrates- a spirit of liberty.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

 

[Luke2427]

Wining and dining and entertainment. Oh my...

What about weed or cocaine (in a state or country where it is legal)? Would your perfect church allow members to enjoy those created things in moderation as well?

Liberty is a necessary component in what I consider to be a perfect church in this imperfect world.

If something can be done responsibly without significant harm to ones self it ought to be allowed without judgment.

Now, I don't know if weed CAN be done in moderation? Some things are concentrate and by their very nature are immoderate.

That may be the case with weed.

But it is clearly NOT the case with beer since God commends its moderate consumption in His Word.

 

[Matt22:37-39]

I'm actually working on a book called "What God Desires Of A Healthy Church"...notice the word HEALTHY and not PERFECT.

To me the key is BALANCE, TRUTH and LOVE! This is what makes for a "perfect" church, as close as you are going got get to heaven. Think about it?...God is BALANCED, he is Holy Righteous and Just, yet He is also Loving, Merciful and Kind. So that means so shall His word be and so shall we be.

God has given us enough instruction in His word and through the work of the Holy Spirit to know how to live Godly balanced lives and in doing so GLORIFY HIM. The problem is we live in a society that has become very EXTREME...the church is not balanced for the most part, it is either too legalistic or too liberal. It often times seeks it's own benefits rather than the benefits of God and others...Matt 22:37039

From my observance in the 28 years I have been saved, I have not only see a rapid DECLINE in biblical values and precepts, but I have also seen a decline in many who profess the name of Christ who do NOT REALLY CARE!...The bible says

"WITH A VISION THE PEOPLE PERISH"

My hope and prayer is to see God's word "RIGHTLY" divided and distributed among the SHEEP and their SHEPHERDS so our focus of His vision may be acted out in the right application of His word, and in doing so, His mission is accomplished as desired in Matt 28.

There are more scripture verses to back up what I just said, but I don't have time to look them up.

 

[Don]

....but the difference between bear and weed is that weed gets you high (what the biblical language might call "drunk") in one puff...

Sorry, I can't help myself.

If you're puffing bear, you're a WAY better man than I'll ever be.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I can see it in the bulletin: Baptist Boozer Fellowship Night...

Yes right....right away, a race to the bottom. :laugh:

 

[Matt22:37-39]

bump cause this needs to be seen!

I'm actually working on a book called "What God Desires Of A Healthy Church"...notice the word HEALTHY and not PERFECT.

To me the key is BALANCE, TRUTH and LOVE! This is what makes for a "perfect" church, as close as you are going got get to heaven. Think about it?...God is BALANCED, he is Holy Righteous and Just, yet He is also Loving, Merciful and Kind. So that means so shall His word be and so shall we be.

God has given us enough instruction in His word and through the work of the Holy Spirit to know how to live Godly balanced lives and in doing so GLORIFY HIM. The problem is we live in a society that has become very EXTREME...the church is not balanced for the most part, it is either too legalistic or too liberal. It often times seeks it's own benefits rather than the benefits of God and others...Matt 22:37039

From my observance in the 28 years I have been saved, I have not only see a rapid DECLINE in biblical values and precepts, but I have also seen a decline in many who profess the name of Christ who do NOT REALLY CARE!...The bible says

"WITH A VISION THE PEOPLE PERISH"

My hope and prayer is to see God's word "RIGHTLY" divided and distributed among the SHEEP and their SHEPHERDS so our focus of His vision may be acted out in the right application of His word, and in doing so, His mission is accomplished as desired in Matt 28.

There are more scripture verses to back up what I just said, but I don't have time to look them up.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Perfect church....on the surface....one where I never have to wear a tie again. :love2:

 

[Revmitchell]

bump cause this needs to be seen!

Don't think much of yourself do you?

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

To get back to the OP...

Would say its essential that there be no gossip.backbitiing, that people could be free to share trials/hard times/temptations and not face judgement, and also a group where each one is commited to being a witness for jesus, and who want to grow and mature in their walk with him thru pray/bible study etc!

the power of the church comes thru the people on their kness, parying to the Lord....

I like it!!!:thumbs:

 

[Matt22:37-39]

Don't think much of yourself do you?

It got buried too quickly..hey TRUTH is TRUTH...to God be the glory!

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

James 1:27

27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this:to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

 

[Old Union Brother]

James 1:27

27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this:to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Amen!! Indeed prayer is key to religion is pure and undefiled before God

 

[Tom Butler]

I found the perfect church once.

So I joined it.

It wasn't perfect any more.