Embracing Our Role in the Ekklesia Movement

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the journey many of us have taken to find our place in the church community. Whether you were invited by a friend, came seeking answers, or were already deeply rooted in faith, each story is unique yet interconnected by a common thread: the transformative power of community and service. We are reminded that the church is not just a building or a service, but a movement—a living, breathing assembly of believers called to serve and love others as Christ did.

The Greek term "Ekklesia," which Jesus used to describe His movement, emphasizes the idea of a congregation or assembly, not just a static institution. This movement is meant to be dynamic, outward-facing, and ever-growing, adapting to cultural changes while holding fast to the core mission of spreading the love and message of Jesus. As members of this Ekklesia, we are tasked with ensuring that our church remains true to its original mission, serving as a beacon of hope and love in our communities.

We are the church for our generation, and our actions shape how Christianity is perceived by those around us. This responsibility calls us to be intentional in our giving, inviting, and serving. By supporting our local church financially, inviting others to experience the community, and volunteering our time, we continue the legacy of those who came before us, ensuring that the church remains a place of refuge and growth for future generations.

As we reflect on our role within the church, we are encouraged to move from "coast mode" to "host mode," actively engaging with newcomers and creating an inviting atmosphere. This shift in mindset helps us emulate the welcoming nature of Jesus, who drew people to Him with His love and compassion. By doing so, we not only strengthen our community but also fulfill our calling to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.

Key Takeaways:

- The Power of Invitation: Many of us found our way to church through the persistent invitations of friends or family. This highlights the importance of inviting others to experience the community and love found within the church. Our willingness to reach out can be the catalyst for someone else's spiritual journey. [00:24]

- Ekklesia: A Movement, Not a Building: The term "Ekklesia" reminds us that the church is a movement, not just a physical space. It is a dynamic assembly of believers called to impact the world. Our mission is to ensure that this movement remains true to its original purpose, adapting to cultural changes while holding fast to the core message of Jesus. [05:10]

- We Are the Church for Our Generation: Our actions and attitudes shape how Christianity is perceived by those around us. We are the church for our generation, and our responsibility is to reflect the love and teachings of Jesus in our interactions with others. This calls us to be intentional in our giving, inviting, and serving. [09:08]

- From Coast Mode to Host Mode: Shifting from a passive to an active role in church involves engaging with newcomers and creating an inviting atmosphere. By doing so, we emulate the welcoming nature of Jesus, who drew people to Him with His love and compassion. This mindset helps us fulfill our calling to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. [19:41]

- Generational Impact Through Service: Serving in the church is not just for the benefit of those we directly lead but can have a generational impact. By saying yes to serving, we open ourselves to opportunities for growth and deeper connection with our Heavenly Father, influencing future generations in ways we may never fully realize. [38:17]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - The Journey to Church
- [00:48] - First Impressions
- [01:23] - Overcoming Hesitations
- [02:15] - Taking the Next Step
- [03:12] - Becoming a Regular
- [04:01] - The Call to Serve
- [05:10] - Understanding Ekklesia
- [06:01] - Peter's Declaration
- [07:12] - Staying True to the Mission
- [08:53] - We Are the Church
- [10:47] - Supporting the Church
- [13:10] - The Three Little Nots
- [16:23] - The Importance of Inviting
- [19:41] - Host Mode vs. Coast Mode
- [22:23] - Volunteering Opportunities
- [27:29] - The Legacy of Service
- [34:25] - Testimony: Kelly Miller's Story

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 16:15-18 (Jesus' declaration about building His church)
2. Acts 2:42-47 (The early church as a dynamic community)
3. Hebrews 10:24-25 (Encouragement to gather and support one another)

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the term "Ekklesia" mean, and how does it differ from the traditional understanding of "church"? [05:10]
2. How did the sermon describe the journey of someone who was initially hesitant to attend church but eventually became a regular attender? [01:50]
3. What are the "three little nots" mentioned in the sermon, and how are they used as a tool for inviting others to church? [13:23]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of moving from "coast mode" to "host mode" in the context of church involvement? [19:41]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "Ekklesia" as a movement challenge the traditional view of church as a static institution? What implications does this have for how we engage with our community? [05:10]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our actions and attitudes as a church community shape the perception of Christianity in our generation? [09:08]
3. How does the sermon encourage individuals to be intentional in their giving, inviting, and serving? What are the potential impacts of these actions on the church and community? [10:47]
4. What does it mean to be the "hands and feet of Jesus" in the world, according to the sermon? How can this be practically lived out in daily life? [19:41]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own journey to church. How did you first get involved, and what role did invitations from others play in that process? How can you extend similar invitations to others? [00:24]
2. Consider the idea of "Ekklesia" as a movement. How can you contribute to making your church a dynamic and outward-facing community? What specific actions can you take this week? [05:10]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of financial support for the church. Do you have a plan for supporting your local church financially? If not, what steps can you take to create one? [11:04]
4. Think about the "three little nots" as opportunities for invitation. Can you recall a recent conversation where you heard one of these nots? How can you use these moments to invite someone to church? [13:23]
5. How can you shift from "coast mode" to "host mode" in your church involvement? What practical steps can you take to create a more welcoming atmosphere for newcomers? [19:41]
6. Reflect on the generational impact of service mentioned in the sermon. How can your involvement in church service influence future generations? What legacy do you want to leave? [38:17]
7. Identify one area in your church where you are not currently serving. What steps can you take to explore volunteering opportunities and make a difference in that area? [22:23]

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Invitation
The journey to finding one's place in a church community often begins with a simple invitation. Many people have found their spiritual home through the persistent and loving invitations of friends or family members. This act of reaching out is not just a casual gesture; it is a powerful catalyst for spiritual growth and transformation. When we invite others to experience the community and love within the church, we open the door for them to embark on their own spiritual journey. Our willingness to extend an invitation can be the first step in someone else's path to discovering faith and belonging. [00:24]

"Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find." (Matthew 22:9, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from an invitation to experience the love and community of your church? How can you extend that invitation this week?


Day 2: Ekklesia: A Movement, Not a Building
The term "Ekklesia," used by Jesus to describe His movement, emphasizes the concept of a congregation or assembly rather than a static institution. The church is meant to be a dynamic, outward-facing movement that adapts to cultural changes while remaining true to its core mission of spreading the love and message of Jesus. As members of this Ekklesia, we are called to ensure that our church remains a vibrant and impactful force in the world. This involves being open to change and growth while holding fast to the foundational teachings of Christ. [05:10]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the dynamic and outward-facing nature of your church community? How can you help ensure that it remains true to its mission?


Day 3: We Are the Church for Our Generation
Our actions and attitudes shape how Christianity is perceived by those around us. As the church for our generation, we have the responsibility to reflect the love and teachings of Jesus in our interactions with others. This calls us to be intentional in our giving, inviting, and serving. By doing so, we continue the legacy of those who came before us and ensure that the church remains a place of refuge and growth for future generations. Our commitment to living out our faith in tangible ways can have a profound impact on how others view and experience Christianity. [09:08]

"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." (Philippians 1:27, ESV)

Reflection: How can your actions today reflect the love and teachings of Jesus to those around you? What specific steps can you take to be more intentional in your giving, inviting, and serving?


Day 4: From Coast Mode to Host Mode
Shifting from a passive to an active role in the church involves engaging with newcomers and creating an inviting atmosphere. This mindset helps us emulate the welcoming nature of Jesus, who drew people to Him with His love and compassion. By moving from "coast mode" to "host mode," we not only strengthen our community but also fulfill our calling to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. This shift requires intentionality and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones to make others feel welcome and valued. [19:41]

"Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." (Romans 12:13, ESV)

Reflection: What practical steps can you take to move from "coast mode" to "host mode" in your church community? How can you create a more welcoming atmosphere for newcomers?


Day 5: Generational Impact Through Service
Serving in the church is not just for the benefit of those we directly lead but can have a generational impact. By saying yes to serving, we open ourselves to opportunities for growth and deeper connection with our Heavenly Father. Our service can influence future generations in ways we may never fully realize. As we serve, we contribute to a legacy of faith and love that extends beyond our immediate context, impacting the lives of those who come after us. This generational impact is a powerful reminder of the importance of our commitment to serving others. [38:17]

"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV)

Reflection: How can your service in the church today impact future generations? What specific area of service can you commit to that will leave a lasting legacy of faith and love?

Quotes



And you surprised yourself and you did come back and you kept coming and then you really surprised yourself and you invited someone and now you're sitting in church and you're thinking, "Oh no, I hope they don't preach too long and I hope they don't sing too long," 'cause now you're experiencing what the person who invited you experienced and you're experiencing our church through somebody else's ears and somebody else's eyes, but they didn't hate it. [00:01:53]

Ekklesia is the word in Greek that was used to describe Jesus movement, his assembly, his congregation, the thing that he launched in the first century. The Greek word is actually translated in our English bibles as church but the word Ekklesia doesn't mean church. We talked about this in episode one. The word Ekklesia in Greek means assembly or congregation. It pointed to a movement. [00:05:07]

We are the church for our generation. Think about this. When people outside the local church, when people who are not Christian or people who used to be Christian, think about Christianity and think about the church, they think about you and they think about us. We are the church for our generation. We determine what Christianity looks like, what Christianity acts like, and what Christianity reacts like. [00:08:58]

You have to create and commit to a plan to support your local church financially. Everybody should have a plan for how they plan to support their church financially because here's why. Because some somebodies who didn't know you did that for you. Think about this. If you grew up in church as a kid, the first time they took you to church maybe as a baby or maybe as a child or middle school or the first time you showed up at church, isn't it true? [00:10:49]

The three little nots. Anytime you hear one of the following in the grocery store, when you're out in the mall, when you're in the neighborhood, when you're at work, anywhere you go, anywhere you are, whenever you hear one of these three little nots, I want you to respond. Here are the three little nots. Number one, I'm not from here. Number two, things aren't going well. Number three, I was not prepared for. [00:13:14]

If you are inviting, if you make it the habit of your life to invite, if you are inviting, you'll ensure your church remains inviting. In other words, you'll evaluate everything we do like sitting next to someone who's here for the first time. When you hear it through their ears and you see it through their eyes and you experience it through them as opposed to your Christian, I know what to do, where to park, how to get in the door and how to get out before the traffic experience, right? [00:16:50]

I want you to show up in host mode, not coast mode, okay? Coast mode is, you know where to park, you know how to get to the door, you get your seats, you put something on this side so nobody will sit there and you save somebody off this side and you got your whole thing all worked out and you know the four people that always sit around you and you get there and you have your chitchat. [00:19:47]

The easiest thing for us to do, the easiest thing for you to do, the easiest thing for me to do, the easiest thing for you to do is nothing. 'Cause I'm fine, you're fine. All God's children are fine. Plus more people, more hassle, right? But if the group that came before you, if the group that got here before you thought that way, served that way, gave that way, worshiped that way, facilitated groups that way, if the group that came before you is like, "Somebody else is gonna do it, somebody else is gonna pay for it, I don't need to give any money, that church doesn't need my money." [00:23:47]

And this is why when people say to me, and again, you can understand why I take this maybe differently than you do. "Well, Andy, you know, I don't give to the church 'cause the church doesn't need my money." Hey, if we didn't have this big of a vision, that works. But if this is what God has called us to do, and if this is what God has enabled us to do, and if this is what through your generosity and through your service and through your selflessness, we've been able to accomplish, this is a good, good, good investment. [00:26:22]

And do you know what they did? I mean, you know, the way I think about it, one thing they did is they bought an awful lot of chairs, an awful lot of chairs. Back during COVID, word got out that I had said in some interview that I didn't think the church was an essential service in the community. I'm like, are you kidding? Do you know how many chairs we bought? Of course, the church is essential. [00:27:47]

Serving at our churches is not just for the benefit of the people that you're directly leading, but can lead to a generational impact. And that's not meant to be said as a pressure. It's meant to be set as an opportunity. It's an opportunity to know your Heavenly Father and grow in a way that you cannot believe is possible. And really all we have to do is just say yes to taking a step. [00:38:17]

And he said, "Hey," he looked at our staff for this campus, for those of you at our other churches at North Point Community Church today, he looked at the North Point Community Church staff, but he really was looking at staff for all of our churches. He said, "Hey, I just want you to know if you go away, we go away. We can't do what we're doing in our difficult environment without you." That's what you're doing. That's the difference you're making. [00:33:44]

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Transcript
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