What is Authentic Church

We believe church is about people and relationships, not a building. Our aim is to make church real to people, in the way it was originally intended; which is mapped out for us in the Bible.

· What does the Bible say about Authentic Church?

· What activities were the early church doing that you think might result in healthy spiritual growth here in Longton?

· What are the actions of a healthy Authentic Church?

Let's highlight some of the actions of Authentic Church in Acts 2:41-47

Acts 2:41-47 (message)
That day about three thousand (1) took him at his word were (2)baptised and were signed up. They committed themselves to the (3) teaching of the apostles the (4) life together the (5) common meal and the (7) prayers. Everyone around was in awe - all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and (8) pooled their resources so that each person's need was met. They followed a daily discipline of worship in the (9)Temple followed by meals at home (6) every meal a celebration exuberant and joyful, as they (10) praised God People in general liked what they saw. Every day (11) their number grew as God added those who were saved.

Actions of an Authentic Church

1. Telling people about Jesus

2. Water baptism

3. Teaching the Bible

4. Building a community

5. Communion

6. Meals together

7. Prayer

8. Giving generously

9. Meeting in large groups and small groups

10. Worship

11. Multiplication

The upward aspect of church
(5) communion; (7) prayer; (9) gathering together for celebration; (10) worship

The inward aspect of church
(3) Bible study; (4) having fun together; (8) giving to each other; (6) mentoring one another (9) accountability times

The outward aspect of church
(1) telling people about Jesus; (2) baptising; (11) reproducing church

Authentic Church - How?
How do we become an Authentic Church?

What will motivate us? - Compassion

Sick healed
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. (Matthew 14:14 NIV)

Two blind men receive their sight
Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. (Matthew 20:34 NIV)

A man with leprosy
Filled with compassion Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Mark 1:41 (NIV)

The Crowds
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd Matthew 9:36 (NIV)

Do we have Compassion on the Crowds
Teenage pregnancies - young mums who are not equipped yet with the skills of bring up children;

Family breakdown – missing dads; Single mums struggling with young families;

Unemployment - Longton has 31% of people of working age claiming a key benefit compared with 22% for the Stoke-on-Trent and 14% for all of England

Older people - who cant cope on their pension

Loneliness and isolation - affects many people, those who have not got the funds to got out and do things due to lack of work, those who can't get out due to ill health.

Addictions – drugs, alcohol, glue sniffing, smoking, porn and workaholic

What will motivate us? - Passion

· Passion for God

· Passion for the presents of the Holy Spirit

· Passion for his church

· Passion for those who don't know God yet