STUDY GUIDE "THE CHURCH" - Lesson 1 - January 7 & 8, 2012

Matthew 16:16-18, Acts 1:6-8, Acts 2:22-24, 32-33, 36-39, 41

INTRODUCTION

When we think of the church, why is a building, stained glass, and a steeple the first thing we think of?  Is church a place full of hymnals, pews, crosses and altars?  Is the church orchestras, choirs, bands and banners?  Or is church meant to mean something very different?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of church?

2.  What were your first/early experiences of attending a church?  Were those positive or negative experiences in your faith journey?

3.  Read Matthew 16:17-18.  In your own words, how do you define church?  What is the mission of the church?

4.  After reading the first two chapters of Acts, what is the thing that sticks out most to you about church that first day?

5.  If the church began as a movement, how do you see the church moving today?

6.  If the church began as a movement, what can you do to be a part of that movement?

WHAT’S NEXT

Church is much more than a building or place. Church is more than pews or hymnals, lights, music and sound. In fact, at the very beginning of the church, the church had no building, no liturgies, no bands, no choirs, no New Testament, no steeples, and no stained glass. What it did have was a gathering of people who were intent on one thing: to create followers of Jesus Christ. In that sense, the church was a movement that continues today, a multiplying, multi-cultural gathering of people who believe that Jesus is the Savior and whose lives reflect His teachings and His Spirit.

WHAT SHOULD WE CHANGE?

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Acts 2:38-39

Lesson 2