Dr. David K. Bernard discusses the vital signs of a healthy Apostolic church, drawing inspiration from Acts 2. Topics include apostolic teachings on Jesus Christ, oneness of God, and salvation, core tenets of apostolic church life emphasizing unity and sacrificial giving, characteristics of a healthy church such as relationships, love, and missions, and key aspects for continuous growth focusing on apostolic experience and spiritual maturity.
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Quick takeaways
A healthy apostolic church emphasizes receiving the Holy Spirit and following the apostles' doctrine.
Unity within the church and with other believers, as well as supporting missions, demonstrate a healthy church.
Deep dives
Characteristics of a Healthy Apostolic Church
A healthy apostolic church should emphasize the apostolic experience, with members receiving the Holy Spirit and following the apostles' doctrine. Teaching what the Bible teaches and standing for New Testament doctrine are essential. Unity and fellowship, both internally and with other churches, demonstrate a healthy church. The church's vertical relationship focuses on prayer, worship, and a belief in signs and wonders as part of a genuine apostolic experience.
Unity and Fellowship in the Church
Unity and fellowship within the church, as well as with the larger body of believers, are crucial. Cooperative efforts, such as sharing resources and supporting missions, exemplify a healthy church's connectedness and interdependence. A church should strive for oneness and a desire to bless others beyond its immediate congregation.
Signs of Healthy Leadership in a Church
Healthy church leadership should exhibit servanthood, humility, and accountability. Leadership by example, drawing authority from scripture, and working in the power of the spirit characterize healthy leadership. Respect, love, and a focus on the golden rule are integral to leadership practices within a church community.
How do we know if a church is healthy? Should we look at average attendance, the number of conversions, the size of the offerings, or some other metric?
Dr. David K. Bernard looks to the Book of Acts to identify the vital signs of a healthy Apostolic church. His answer provides a New Testament template that pastors and ministry leaders can use to determine how their congregation compares with the early church.
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