BEHAVIOR EVANGELISM

Every member of the early church understood that each Christian was called to personally live out, witness, and share their faith with others in their personal lives. Since they couldn’t preach on street corners, the early church members practiced what one could call ‘behaviour evangelism.’ They acted differently from their neighbours. Despite peer pressure, they acted deliberately in ways that they felt called to as Christians. They lived as missional individuals instead of moralistic preachers.

CHANGE IN THE CHURCH

Then, in about 300 AD, things began to change. The Roman Emperor Constantine was much more open to the Christian faith. His mother was a Christian. Constantine eventually made it legal to be a Christian, and the church could come out of hiding.

Then, Constantine’s successor, Theodosius, before 400 AD, made it legal to be Christian and anything else illegal. Christians rejoiced, but it was a momentous change with far-reaching implications and the beginning of the sad second era in the church's history.

Suddenly, the playing field (which had till now been strongly tilted against the church) was strongly tilted in favour of the church. It was assumed that every Roman citizen was a Christian. All the lukewarm and weak-willed were swept into the church by societal pressure. Because of this, huge Cathedrals were built to accommodate the masses, even though most only came on Easter, Christmas, and other special church days.

Since the evidence of ‘holiness’ was declining in the lives of ordinary church members, the focus shifted to the grandeur of buildings, the stained glass windows, and the ornate trappings and vestments of office. The church's work was increasingly performed by an ‘expert’ leadership, with the majority limited to filling pews and putting money on the offering plate.

THE PRESENT SOCIAL CONTEXT OF THE CHURCH

Where are we at today? What is the slope of the Church/Society playing field in 2024? Our society’s playing field is no longer strongly tilted toward the church. At best, it is neutral; perhaps it is tilted somewhat against the church. Our society tends to think of Christianity as old-fashioned. Many churches have already experienced what that means in church attendance. Without the tilt of the playing field to hold them in, many people with little commitment have left the church. Family ties, social networks, and historical references weren't strong enough influences to keep people committed to what had been nominal Christianity. Broadly speaking, those who remained tended to have made a personal, conscious, committed choice to be church members.

That has changed quite a few things. As in the early church, commitment and dedication can again define membership. Again, as in the early church, every Christian is seen as being ‘sent’ and responsible for the missional nature of the church. As in the early church, the congregation again becomes a missional community – a movement. The true church (those who are Christ-followers) is rediscovering its missional call!

Perhaps God is nudging you towards being a volunteer at Playgroup?

Playgroup starts in a few weeks, and right now, we are looking for people to join our wonderful team as child-free helpers (commitment is just a couple of hours per week during school term). We are also seeking parents/grandparents from the church to attend Playgroup with their children/grandchildren and walk alongside families from the community.

You can register your interest online or contact Sue Nicholls (0403 822 324 or [email protected])

Scriptural Inspiration: 

Matthew 13:31-32 (NIV) 

31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

Ezekiel 17:20-22 (NIV) 

20 I will take the one at the top of the cedar and set it out. I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. 21 On the mountain heights of Israel, I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. 22 All the trees of the forest will know that I the Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish.

In these passages, we witness the transformative power of God's Kingdom – a tiny seed growing into a large tree, providing shelter for all birds, and a tender sprig blossoming into a splendid cedar where every kind of bird finds refuge.

Join us to explore:

• How the Gospel of Jesus Christ breaks down walls, and invites everyone into the warmth of His love.
• The significance of inclusion in building a vibrant and diverse community.
• Practical steps to cultivate a culture of acceptance and love in our midst.

Experience uplifting worship, engage in heartfelt prayer, and discover the joy of belonging to a community rooted in the inclusive Gospel.

Please bring your friends, neighbours, and anyone seeking a place where they are seen, valued, and embraced. Take advantage of this powerful exploration of Matthew and Ezekiel, who reveal the boundless inclusivity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

See you there as we sow the seeds of inclusion and cultivate a garden of unity and love!

Connect
Connecting with others is important; friends gather around the kitchen table, meet for coffee, or catch up online. It’s no different at Alpha.  All sessions start with a time to connect, relax, and build friendships – whether in person or virtually.

Watch
The Alpha talks are designed to engage and inspire conversation. Each video talk is approximately thirty minutes long and explores important issues around faith and the basics of Christianity. We address questions such as:

• Who is Jesus?
• How can we have faith?
• Why do we pray?
• How do we pray?
• How does God guide us?

Discuss
One of the most important parts of any Alpha Course is sharing thoughts and ideas in small groups. There’s no obligation to say anything and nothing you can’t share (seriously). It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your perspective in an honest, friendly, and open environment.

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If you regularly attend Berwick Church of Christ and are not yet a partner, we would like to invite you to attend our next meeting and enjoy lunch together.

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ANCHORS | Grades 1 & 2: 6pm – 7.15pm
JUNIORS | Grades 3 – 6: 7pm – 8.30pm
SENIORS | Grades 7 to 18 years old: 7pm – 9.15pm

The whole family is invited… it will be a blast! This event will raise money for our youth ministry, providing much-needed resources and opportunities to sponsor teenagers to attend events such as the State Youth Games!

*Please Note: We will have an EFTPOS machine available, but you should bring along some cash for the day to purchase tickets – this will save you time, ensuring you don’t have to wait in the EFTPOS line!

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Details:

• Date: 21st – 24th March 2024
• Where: Scenic Rim, Queensland

All participants will be screened to ensure they are up for the challenge. Please note that a full refund will be provided if you are not eligible to participate.

* This event is independently organised by 4MAUS. 

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