First-Century Participation

The early church spread rapidly because of the involvement of everyday believers. There wasn’t an elite SWAT team of missionaries establishing churches left and right; multiplication would have bottlenecked behind their efforts. Instead, it was the faithful witness of the entire body of believers that spread the gospel like wildfire.

So how do you get people involved and on mission?

One of the keys is to look at the functions of the church from Ephesians 4, the APEST, and ensure that each element is alive and active in your church gatherings.

Apostolic – the gathering has an aspect of mission and mobilization

Prophetic – the gathering has a deeply spiritual atmosphere. There is margin to create a controlled atmosphere where the fits can operate. Confession, prayer time, and prophetic ministry are welcomed.

Evangelistic – the gathering mimics the preaching in Acts, calling unbelievers to believe, and emphasizing surrender, repentance, and baptism

Shepherding – the gathering focuses on communal activity, such as corporate prayer, communion, singing, and discussion

Teaching – the teaching of the Word is honored, but people are also able to rotate into the pulpit. People can share what they’ve learned in groups and teach one another.

If you can incorporate each of these elements into your church gatherings, then people will be activated on mission, connect with God, hear the gospel, be cared for, and be transformed by the word of God. The five of these together is a recipe for missionary multiplication, not just for the elite, but for every Christian.