As a church, particularly in our connect groups, we talk about aiming to create a ‘Fruitful Christian Community’. It’s not necessarily the term we use with first-time guests (as it can sound a bit weird and requires some definition) but that’s what we’re trying to achieve. Basically, we’re talking about the church being the church. Not a building, not a meeting, not an organization. We desire to be a church that is relational, missional, and God-honouring.
What that actually looks like is the subject of many a discussion. In fact I’ve often told our connect group leaders we don’t really care what you do as long as people are being connected to other people, to God, and to Biblical truth; and the world is being changed in some way. How to determine that we’re actually being successful in that endeavour is yet another discussion. Bottom line is that we want to have a confidence that we together are changing the world through fulfilling the great commision to “Go and make disciples…” in a way that expresses the great commandment “Love God, Love your neighbour” .
This is really just a very long-winded way of providing a link to a good article written by Dan Reiland called “Successful or Fruitful” which has some great thoughts to ponder. You can read it here, and if you fancy a bit of discussion on the subject then feel free to add a comment below.
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. – John 15:16
