Short version … for those on the run …
What is the goal of parenting? Short answer? Love. Longer answer? To enable our children to stand on their own feet as mature adults; in order to cooperate with Father God’s purpose in this world in keeping with their own unique call and gifting. Father God’s goal for us as individuals is the same. Short answer: love. For a longer brief, it’s well captured in the idea of the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22, 23); one dimension of which is “self-control” (v. 23). Exercising self-control refers to one, who submitted to the leadership of the Spirit, selflessly serves the Father’s purposes secure in themselves, able to stand on their own feet.
The goal of a simple church community is the same. To collectively stand on their own feet – not dependent on artificial props and external support systems – able to serve God’s revealed purposed together, having discovered their shared call and synergising their communal giftedness. That’s a mouthful! Thus, the potent and punchy phrase: self-governing.
In the “long version” (below) we look at the critical New Testament phrase “brethren” and some of the implications of such a blessed community; a spiritual family that can “stand on its own” but is not alone.
Continue reading ‘What is a self-governing community? “A Lot like Love”’
