This straight talking but highly encouraging article needs to be pondered over, prayed through and then lived out.
A number of biblical teachings have come to be known as New Testament church principles. A weekly remembrance of the Lord Jesus Christ, ministry by gifted brothers, leadership by a plurality of elders, distinctive roles for men and women, and the priesthood of all believers: these principles should be as precious to us today as they were when the apostles were planting the first churches. And indeed, some churches do appreciate the joys of meeting in New Testament simplicity.
One would think obedience to these principles would bring great blessing, and truly we have been blessed. Yet we must acknowledge our weaknesses, too. Why is it that many churches which cling to New Testament church principles are struggling to keep the doors open? New Testament church principles cannot be to blame. God has spoken and we are to obey. But perhaps the problem is the opposite: not the New Testament principles we hold, but those which we have ignored.
You may be able to think of other principles your church has ignored, but here are four characteristics of the early church that are sadly missing from many churches today.
Forbearance
The fruit of the Spirit includes “longsuffering” (Gal. 5:22). However, Romans 14 takes the principle of longsuffering and forbearance to a new level. Paul had made it clear that there is no need to keep the OT dietary law. But in this chapter he speaks of people who, though they weren’t trying to keep the law as a means of salvation, still thought the dietary law was binding. In this case, Paul’s message is “accept those who are weak in faith” (v. 1) and “Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food” (v. 20).
The implications are quite stunning. There can actually be cases where a person is mistaken, yet we are to bear with that person rather than tearing down the whole church. It is certainly true that we cannot bear with heresy; nobody is suggesting that false teaching or sin be tolerated. But on issues where neither course of action is sinful, we must accept one another.
Let’s be honest: any diversity of opinion scares us. We prefer absolute uniformity of thought even if the cost is a lack of forbearance. But the same scripture that says false teachers must be silenced also tells us there are issues about which we must show tolerance. We cannot be willing to split the church over every issue. Forbearance characterized the NT church, but it is all too often ignored today.
Humility
The Lord Jesus had a lot to say about humility. And Paul tells us in Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself.” Humility should define each Christian. Hopefully it is something we strive for in our own lives. But is it something we see in our churches? Having been entrusted with wonderful truths about the purpose and order of the New Testament church, there can be a temptation towards arrogance. We might look down on those who have less light in this area. In the process, we not only despise our brothers and sisters, but we ensure they will want no part of the truths we hold dear. After all, if those who hold to New Testament church principles are arrogant, why would a spiritually sensitive Christian want any part with them?
Humility recognizes that God’s plan for the church really does work best, but that we are no better than our fellow Christians. We don’t have to downplay the importance of NT church principles, but we do have to demonstrate love for our fellow believers. While we hold firmly to the truths of the New Testament church, let’s also hold firmly to the principle of New Testament humility.
Hospitality
The Epistle to the Romans may be the deepest theology in the Bible, but also teaches valuable lessons on hospitality. Romans 12:13 gives the blunt command that we are to be “practicing hospitality.” Gaius was commended for showing hospitality to the whole church (Rom. 16:23). Also in Romans we read that Rufus’ mother was a mother to Paul. Can we doubt that hospitality was a part of her service?
Hospitality is important. Not only do traveling workers and their families have a right to accommodations, but hospitality can enhance the ties of fellowship between the believers in a church. By having a single meal together we may get to know each other better than in a year of Sunday mornings. Since hospitality has become a rarity in today’s world, having someone over for a meal can be an effective aid in evangelism. Students and single people testify of the special encouragement provided by hospitality.
A meal doesn’t need to be fancy and the house doesn’t need a spring cleaning. Simple food accompanied by good conversation is all that’s necessary. And it is necessary! The early church practiced hospitality and if we want to be a NT church we must be characterized by it too.
Discipleship
Discipleship is at the core of the Great Commission. While the Paul-Timothy relationship provides perhaps the best example of discipleship in the Bible, there are others: Apollos was instructed by Priscilla and Aquila, Elisha was associated with Elijah. In each case an older or more experienced believer took a newer believer under the wing.
The advantages of discipleship are obvious. A new believer may grow in an unbalanced or unrooted manner. He may see one truth in the Bible but fail to see the balanced teaching provided elsewhere in the Word. He may develop unhealthy obsessions. Biblical discipleship provides an answer to each of these problems.
Many churches are developing small group ministries. Instead of meetings of the full church, small groups are intended to provide warm fellowship where people can get to know each other and build each other up. But isn’t this what personal discipleship should be doing? Some Christians, including this author, have concerns about the way small groups can end up replacing actual meetings of the church. But in an assembly where real discipleship is occurring, there is no hole to be filled by small groups.
What would our churches be like if we took the principle of discipleship as seriously as Paul did? What would happen if young men showing evidence of a teaching gift were instructed in homiletics by an experienced brother? What would happen if the young mothers had an older woman who could come alongside and help them to love their husbands and children (Titus 2:4)? What would happen if the zealous young evangelist had someone to show him the ropes? What would happen if a mature but energetic Christian couple opened up their home to the youth and spent time with them? What we would see would be nothing less than a transformation within the local church! Discipleship may be hard, but it is a NT church principle we need to embrace.
Hard Choices
If we have neglected the principles above, we are left with three choices. The first is to continue with the status quo—to continue to embrace some biblical principles while ignoring others. Maybe change is too difficult. Maybe our current practice is comfortable. But the status quo means that the church will continue to struggle.
The second choice is to give up on NT church principles. To make this choice is to close the doors and attend a denominational church, or to accept unbiblical practices in an effort to increase our numbers. In either case this choice means we are content to pretend the Bible says nothing about church order and practice.
The third choice is the only one which is really satisfactory. Let’s continue to hold to biblical church principles. But let us also acknowledge we aren’t what we could or should be. Let us humbly return to the Scriptures and see if there are truths that we are neglecting. If we really want to be New Testament churches we must embrace all the principles of the New Testament.