Theology of the Church, Mentor's Guide, MG03

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T H E O L O G Y O F T H E C H U R C H

* What is the best way for us to teach these criteria and rules to others within the congregations we serve? How important is it for us to instruct our members in the “Great Tradition,” the teachings and traditions of the larger Christian body? * Do some of the criteria and images of the Church and its work apply to the city more than others? Explain. * Is it possible, even using these criteria and images, to discern a “true church” or “true congregation?” What is the best way to use these criteria in helping Christians and congregations to grow into God’s will for their lives? * What is the significance of the Lord providing us with so many images of the Church in the Old Testament and New Testament? What should we seek to do in dealing with so many pictures of the Church–were they meant to be integrated into each other or understood on their own, or both? * How do we employ these images in our preaching, teaching, and discipling that provide those we lead with the best possible image of the Church? One congregation, after forming through a hurtful and painful church split, is struggling with its relationship with other churches. While its leadership has not altogether abandoned the idea of forming relationships with other churches for fellowship and service, they are deeply concerned about the need to grow and stabilize the membership of the new congregation. It has been over 10 months since the split, and in all that time there has not been a single event where the new congregation could meet with other Christians for fellowship and growth. Some in the congregation are beginning to question the leader’s decision about the need to stabilize by isolating the church from other congregations. How do the criteria and images we learned in this week’s lesson relate to the struggle this fledgling congregation is experiencing now? What should they do in light of the criteria and images? Only Us and We Alone

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Christians Don’t Do War

With the youth group going through a curriculum emphasizing spiritual warfare and our identity as soldiers of God, some of the parents have begun to worry about