ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: WHY THE CHURCH - GUIDE

Opening Prayer:

Gracious and loving God, right now we open ourselves to your Spirit.

Right now we open ourselves to your leading.

Right now we open ourselves to mold and shape us.

Bless the words of our mouth and the meditations of our hearts that they may be acceptable to

you. Amen.

We have begun a new sermon series for the new year entitled “A Little Assembly Required.”

Read Matthew 16:13-20

● Why do you think Jesus asks his disciples who they say he is?

● What does Jesus say about his church?

● Could he have spoken about his church if Peter had not responded as he did to Jesus’

question?

The word for church comes from the biblical word meaning “assembly.” The church began as

the assembly of the people of Jesus.

● What does a properly working church look like to you? Identify the essential qualities

and practices.

Jonny noted three things in his sermon about the church and Missio Dei, in particular.

1. The Church is a people assembled by Jesus.

● Why are you a part of Missio? What brings you here?

● What “assembly” is required to be a Jesus-centered church?

Read Ephesians 2:19-20. What does this say about the church?

2. The Church is assembled to live the life of Jesus.

Theologian Stanley Hauerwaus said, “The Church is a community that tells a story -

God’s story - and lives as if it is true.”

● Do we live as if God’s story is true? In what ways do we/can we do this?

3. The Church is made alive by our assembly.

Presence and participation are essential to a church.

● How do you participate at Missio?

● What is your function in the body?

● What do you have to give to others?

● Are there places you think God might be calling you to be part of?

Close by praying for Missio. Pray for the leaders, the direction, the ministry, and the people.