Authentic Church

At Longton Community Church it is our desire and aim by the grace of God to build an Authentic Church. In the next few paragraphs we want to start describing what we believe are some of the major components of an Authentic Church. By making these statements we are not saying that we have arrived and that Longton Community Church is an Authentic Church. No, becoming an Authentic Church is part of our journey. This journey will only truly be completed when we meet Jesus face to face, so in the mean time we will continue to build on these major components of Authentic Church.

Three Major Components
For a church to be truly an Authentic Church these three elements must be in the DNA of the church.

The church must minister to God through worship.
Worship of God is not merely a preparation for something else; it is in itself fulfilling a major purpose of the church.
An Authentic Church has an obligation to nurture those who are already believers and build them up to maturity in the faith. Our goal, like Paul's is not only to bring people to initial saving faith but to present every man and woman mature in Christ (Col 1:28).
While we are ministering and nurturing one another within the church an Authentic Church will be fulfilling the 'Great Commission' that Jesus gave us 'go and make disciples of all nations" (Matt 28:19). Declaring the gospel of Jesus is one of prime ministry in an Authentic Church. An Authentic Church will fulfil this commission by caring for the poor and needy as well as publicly declaring the good news of Jesus Christ.

Authentic Church Keeps the Balance
For Longton Community Church to grow strong and healthy it must keep these three components in balance. It is our hearts desire see God develop strong ministries in each of these areas.
Grudem commented that 'a church that emphasise only worship will end up with its members remaining shallow in their understanding of the word of God and immature in their lives. If a church neglects evangelism it will cease to grow and influence others. A church that place teaching of believers as a purpose will produce Christians who know Biblical doctrine but will be spiritually dry because they know little of the joy of worshiping God or telling others the good news. A church that makes evangelism a priority will end up with immature Christians who emphasis growth in numbers but will have less and less genuine love for God" (Grudem, 2003, p. 868).
While as an individual you may find your gifting in one particular area we welcome that and will encourage you to grow in the gifts God has given you. Our hearts desire is that all three major components are kept in balance at Longton Community Church and that as each component is emphasised we are convinced the church will grow strong and healthily.

We will now look at each of these major components of an Authentic Church in detail. As I write this I'm aware that I will create an order but I wish to make it clear that in creating the order I'm not prioritising one area over the other. All are equally important for Longton Community Church to grow strong and healthy.

24hr prayer 3Ministry to God
When we look at our ministry to God there are two parts to consider worship and prayer.
Worship - people who adore and worship God. Worship is more than music it is a lifestyle of doing all unto him. It can be expressed through the arts, creativity and is inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Prayer - people who do everything through prayer they express themselves to God and expect Him to answer them

Ministry to one another
Our goal is to see everyone come to maturity in Christ. As we look at this section we will see some things that God has given us and some things that as we grow in them we will come to maturity.
The Word of God - People who love and are rooted in the Word of God they feed themselves from it, seek to understand the Word and use it for guidance and making decisions
The body - a people who are united together where everyone plays their part and moves in the gift given them.
Hope - people with a certainty in God a confidence in who God is and that he will fulfil His promise and therefore can bringing hope to others.
Flexibility - a people sensitive to God and therefore flexible
Growth - a people growing to be more like Christ, personal development – each one on their own journey. Growing as a church into a more fully rounded expression of Christ
Faith - a people strong in faith that trust in God to do all he has promised. Faith for the church resources to fulfil the vision, for new people to become part of the local church
Relationships - a people who are family where everyone is honoured and has a deposit of the Holy Spirit in them. Different roles, functions but not valued more or less, old people and children, singles and families, those from different backgrounds all welcomed and valued
Loyalty - a people who are devoted to God and one another and are committed not just to attending meetings or serving, but to Christ and His purpose
Generosity - a people who give cheerfully and have a generous spirit knowing there will always be sufficient resources because God gives to us

Ministry to the world
Declaring the gospel of Jesus Christ is a prime ministry. At Longton Community Church we will fulfil this commission by caring for the poor and needy as well as publicly declaring the good news of Jesus Christ.
Vision - people with a vision to extend the kingdom of God. We will present the gospel: Individually: talking to and praying for friends, family, neighbours and those God place on their hearts. Corporately: guest services, events, arts and drama. To specific groups: children, students, older people, singles. In the community: demonstrating God's goodness and unconditional love through projects in the community where all are welcome
Healing - a people who recognise God's plan is to bring wholeness to the hurting in all areas of life, including mental, emotional, relationships as well as physical. 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)…by his wounds you have been healed. As with other gifts, healing functions as a sign to authenticate the gospel message and show that the kingdom of God has come.
Perseverance - a people who will persevere to see God's purposes fulfilled. Its no small thing we are called to, God's people are not made overnight. To see a vision worked out takes time they are in for the long haul, like marathon runners not sprinters
The story of Ruth is an example of not being excluded. Naomi left the house of food when it was empty. Came back some 10yrs after losing husband, sons and 1 daughter-in-law. She comes back when there is bread in the house again. Brings with her those who Bethlehem could not reach. Nearest kinsman rejects her but her true kinsman accepts her – authentic church does not exclude but gives people a second chance, a new day for the church and those returning.
Serving – a people who willingly serve as unto God and are aware of a higher purpose that they willingly give their lives to his kingdom. Revelation 2:19 (NIV) I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first .