In the early church, evangelization and the establishment of churches went hand in hand; in fact, there was no alternative, because where the gospel penetrated and people became, if they met in a church, a body was established. the believers of Ephesus could not integrate into the various churches of the city, they had to be part of a new church.
This is an unavoidable conclusion in the book of Acts: where evangelism has led people to become disciples of Christ, there new churches have been established; Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey clearly demonstrates this. Returning to his native church in Antioch, he again visited the new converts who had been won to Christ in the cities of Galatia and Phrygia. Luke tells us that they returned to these cities and fortified the soul of the disciples, urging them to remain firm in the faith and promoted, in every church. , the choice of the elderly? (Acts 14. 22-23).
- Evangelism resulted in new disciples who gathered in local churches.
- This is how the churches of the first century were established.
- Today.
- If we are honest.
- We will have to admit that many of our new churches are the result of sin.
- Not evangelization.
- If the churches that began as a result of the separation of another church ceased to exist.
- The number of evangelical churches would be considerably reduced.
I’m not saying it’s not fair for the believer to leave one church and find another; sometimes, this is the only option available. At a time when many churches have lost the gospel, this option is common, as there must be disruptions in churches struggling to recover the gospel. The renovation and renovation of the church is very important and much needed; and the consequences that accompany this effort are sometimes very painful at first.
However, a commitment to church reform should never become an excuse to neglect the establishment of churches. By the grace of God, more and more pastors and churches are reflecting and taking steps to actively engage in the work of creating new churches. of the 2008 National Founders’ Conference was both the reform and establishment of churches. Each church must cultivate an ongoing commitment to both.
Pray to the Lord asking him to awaken among us a greater passion for the expansion of his kingdom, sending more workers into his dominion, so that we may see converted people and new established churches.
Translation: Prof. Wellington Ferreira © Editor FIEL 2009
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