The Core Unit

Understanding the KingdomThe Core UnitThe Theology of the Kingdom(c) Kingdom 2011

What are the key functions of the church? We need to worship and serve God

We need to win people to Christ

We need to serve othersHow do we fulfil these key functions?Proclaimers equip us to win people to ChristGuides (Shepherds) equip us... ... to live godly lives each and every day …to care for others …to make disciples by passing on what we have learned Imparters equip us… ...to understand the foundations of our faith …to make disciples by passing on what we have learned to others

How do we fulfil these key functions? ContinuedPerceivers equip us …to test what we hear with the plumb line of truth and to be able to defend the truth ...to understand God’s plan for our life - our mission, our purpose, our calling Planters equip us to start and participate in new things …These are all types of ministries that serve and minister to others

Christ gives us these equipping ministers!“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. “ Ephesians 4: 11-13

Problem StatementsMost local churches do not have mature equippers in all of these 5 key areasMost local churches have a Pastor or Shepherd/Guide as their key equipperMany Pastors are frustrated. They know the church can be so much more and do so much more...

Equippers are needed in all of the 5 Key areas to fully train us!If we are not fully equipped as individuals, the body will not do all God intendsFew local churches have equippers in all 5 key areasHowever, at the City or Regional level there are almost always those who can equip believers in all 5 key areas

If we are united, we can fully function“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4: 16We need to connect with those equippers in the 5 key areas, across cities and regions as needed, to fully equip the body to function.United, we can do so much more!!!

The 5 x 7 ModelThe model is titled “The 5 x 7 Model” for the simple reason that there are 5 columns and 7 rows.

A ‘Core Unit’ will have everything that it needs to functionIs the local church the core unit?Few churches have ministers who can equip each member to1. To Plant and Support new works (equipping apostle) 2. To defend Truth and stir people to hear from God his plan and mission for their life (equipping prophet) 3. To effectively share the Good News (equipping evangelist) 4. To live and train others to live Godly lives (equipping pastor) 5. To understand God’s word and teach others (equipping teacher)The local church does not typically have all 5 equipping functions, therefore….

Is the local church... …the ‘core unit’ of the body of Christ?A ‘Core Unit’ has everything it needs to functionFew churches can fully equip each member to in all 5 key functionsFew churches have all the functions they need to fully equip their members for service.Because the local church does not have all the 5 equipping functions, the local church is not the core unit of the body of Christ

What is the ‘core unit’ of the body of Christ?A ‘Core Unit’ has everything it needs to functionAcross a City or Region, we can generally find those who are skilled in all 5 equippingWe would submit to you that the City or Region is the core unit of the body of Christ. What does this mean?It means the church needs to work collectively across regions to do the work of advancing His Kingdom

The Church of the City/Region Is this Biblical or just a passing thought?There are many references to the church of citiesJesus, in the book of Revelation, addresses 7 churches. Some of these churches represented many congregations across the city, yet Jesus addresses the city as one church.Could it be that God sees the church across a region as one church? Could it be that He intends his body to work together across regions to accomplish his work?

What does it mean to function as one body?Most local churches are led by pastors The body needs to these Shepherds!Too often Pastors are criticized for being Pastors and not being Planters, Evangelists, etc.Pastors can provide these other equipping functions by utilizing the skills of people in the City/Region who have complementary equipping giftsHow do we do this? We need to connect!

How do we connect, when our Communities are usually unconnected?“Everything rises and falls on Leadership”- John MaxwellConnecting the body across Cities and Regions begins with LeadersLeaders of this great work of connecting the body must step forward! They need to...

Leaders need to mobilize the Church in the City/Region connect for the purpose of...Corporate PrayerCommitted Relationships that are built upon trust that emerges from fellowship and joint serviceDeliberate Actions - Finding and developing methods to utilize individuals in the 5 Equipping Functions - Joint acts of Service and Outreach

Leaders need to mobilize the believers in a region to a Shared IdentityCommon Vision: A unified body extending the KingdomCommon Values: Agreed-up StandardsCommon Practices: Agreed-upon Approaches, esp. regarding problem solvingCommon Skills (disciple means skilled follower!)Common History and Common Future

In other words.. A Shared Identity is…A Common Kingdom Covenant.

The Core Unit

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The Core Unit