Our congregation Our nation, military and leaders

Various friends, relatives and co-workers David and Leon in the Navy

The Stolte’s in Germany Susan Oller is traveling in Colorado

Anita’s surgery was postponed George did fine and is recovery from eye surgery

"But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted" (Romans 6:17).

Over the years there have been a number of articles, even books, identifying the New Testament church. We are told as Christians that we should be able to know the distinctive nature of the church, created in the eternal purpose of God. And for the most part, one would not quarrel with this idea nor the "marks" given. That God planned for the church before He created the world, that He planned for His people to gather together in a common bond in Christ, that Jesus is the Head of the church are all clearly understood. How one becomes a Christian means that one is automatically a member of the church is true, keeping in mind that the word "church" means assembly, the people of God. In many articles identifying the marks of the church include are such things as how one becomes a Christian (the plan of salvation), the organization of the church, and what worship includes. Again, one finds little to disagree about in all of this. Often written to Christians, such discussion is needed to know how we should approach God as His people. He did not leave us without guidance.

There is some disagreement however. What one sees in such ideas is the organization of an institution. That then leads to some ideas that appear to contradict scripture. Elders rule instead of being servant leaders. The church as an institution becomes an unquestionable organization that must do things according to the way it has always been done. Any questioning or challenging the traditions are seen as rebellious and must be stopped. Such words as "unfaithful" and "false teaching" are used to prevent any discussion. The church made up of people has become an institution, cold and calculating, rather than a family.

One identifying mark of the church that is often ignored in such writings is that the church is a family. I think this is what Jesus and the Apostles had in mind in a number of texts. Jesus said that all men would know who His disciples were if we love one another (John 13:34-35). Love is seeking the best of another. Paul emphasizes the mind or attitude of Christ (Philippians 2:5) by looking to the interests of others and not ours (vs. 4). He also said "Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible – but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good but the good of others" (1 Corinthians 10:23-24). In my mind this is dealing with the family, not an institution. The church, which is people, is relational. We are building a family that learns to share, struggle, honor. love, encourage, serve, and rebuke one another. Rather than emphasizing the forms, which are necessary, we need to emphasize the relationships we have with one another and how the forms can aid such.

If I was asked then, what are the identifying marks of the church, this is what I would state.

We love one another as Jesus loved us and are known for our love (John 13:34-35).

We are developing the mind of Christ, including humility and relationship (Philippians 2:4-8).

We want to know Christ including sharing in His sufferings (Philippians 3:10-11).

We want to be transformed into the likeness of Christ daily (Romans 12:1-2).

We want to bring glory to God in all that we do as we worship Him in our everyday lives

(1 Corinthians 10:31).

We want to be the aroma of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15).

We want to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:2-3).

If we do these things, then we can translate them into the forms that are so often emphasized. For instance, we will hear sermons that bring out our relationship to God and how to live before Him everyday. The pulpit will not be for personal opinions or bullying. Our songs will reflect what God has done, relationship, and hope rather than what I do. The Lord’s Supper will be seen as a celebration with God in our presence. Elders will be known more as shepherds, servant leaders interested in the flock, not in decision making. The family (the church) will be more involved in making decisions and input, giving deacons the guidance to fulfill the directions of the congregation. We will be a family who is willing to take the time to share in the pains and joys of life, who allow the struggler to share their grief, who allow the grieving to cry, who will praise God for the victories that come through Him, and who recognize that we are in this together, not to get our way, but to survive and to influence others to look at our loving Father who wants a relationship with all.

We like to break ideas down to a basic understanding that can be quickly grasped. It is easier to emphasize forms because they can be seen. But the hearts can be lost in the forms and we can just go through the motions. Israel at this problem and it is easy to fall into such. Our hearts must be wrapped up in the church, that is, in you and me, so that we can better serve God.

George B. Mearns