CHURCH GOALS

There are multiple elements described regarding the New Testament church in Acts 2:46-47.  The goal of Acts Fellowship inc., is to provide “church” where each believer has the opportunity to fulfill each point mentioned, as the Holy Spirit leads.  There are distinctive and positive aspects to each point listed.  The goal is that through fellowship and gatherings in Jesus’ Name, that The Acts Fellowship will be unified through Christ, centered around His Word and glorify Him through:  (Colossians 3:16, 1 Timothy 4:16)

  • Continuing Daily
    • Although meeting every day might be strenuous, it should be the goal of the church to equip the body to live a submitted life unto the Lord every day of their life. (Romans 12:1, Hebrews 3:13-14) Since the body is developed by both fellowship with each other and fellowship in Christ, events, gatherings, studies and coffee groups should be encouraged as an outpouring of what Jesus is doing in each member’s life (Ephesians 5:19-21, 1 Peter 2:4-5).  The equipping of the Saints then should contain the full counsel of God, which will cover all aspects of the Spirit led life.  (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Acts 20:27)
  • With one accord
    • One of the church’s missions should be to share God, The Gospel, His love and redemption through Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:1, Acts 1:14). As the church can have one accord and one heart in following Christ in Spirit and Truth, there should be freedom and liberty in non-essential doctrines and in things not clearly laid out within God’s Holy Word.  All things should be done in love and edification.  (Hebrews 10:24)
  • In the Temple
    • While the church is not the building, people are (Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Corinthians 12:27), corporate worship and fellowship should be pursued. Home fellowship is only one aspect of the assembling together.  Corporate worship is encouraged (Hebrews 10:25).  As God grows the Acts Fellowship body, we will seek to gather corporately all of the members to one place to worship and study as one unified body.
  • Breaking Bread
    • Partaking in the Lord’s Supper or Communion is a command from Jesus and vital element in our Christian walk. (Luke 22:19)  It was given as a remembrance to what Christ has done for us.  Based on Jesus’ words to “Do this in remembrance of me” we strive to remember our ultimate penalty that was paid by our Savior Jesus Christ.  (1 Corinthians 11:26)
  • From House to House
    • Although we aim to gather corporately, the New Testament church should meet in small group settings. (Acts 12:12, Acts 16:40, Romans 16:3-5, Colossians 4:15, Philemon 1:1-2) This is to promote healthy conversations about God and His Word, encourage each believer and allow for the Holy Spirit to move in a more intimate setting even down to two people.  (Matthew 18:20, John 7:37-39)
  • Fellowship
    • Sharing our lives with each other is another avenue the Holy Spirit can use as we serve each other in the building up of the body. We see this in the example of Jesus.  (Mark 10:45, Luke 7:34)  The Acts Fellowship encourages not only fellowship during corporate worship and home fellowship studies, but to embrace each other as family in Christ showing hospitality like the early church did.  (Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:2, Luke 5:29, 1 Peter 1:9)  Fellowship and relationships built on Christ can foster encouragement, edification, exhortation and even correction.  Building deeper relationships with each body member reduces the little foxes that can sneak in and ruin the harvest.
  • Praising God
    • Worship is a fundamental element to our relationship with Jesus. In worship, we recognize God for His attributes and express that through adoration praise, thanksgiving, service and holy lives.  (Psalm 145:8-10)  Worship constitutes the primary calling of humans.  It is why we were created.  (Isaiah 43:7, Colossians 1:16) Our daily life of surrender and worship is what we are called to offer to God.  (Romans 12:1)
  • Having favor with all people
    • Although God’s Word will never be watered down, strategically navigated to avoid topics or completely dismissed, all are welcome to attend church. It is not the job of the people to convict sin, it is the Holy Spirit’s.  If there is a lack of favor, grace and love to those who are not living a “Christian life”, where else will they hear the truth except from the words of Jesus.  (John 6:68)
  • God grows the church!
    • Outreach, events and ministry outside of the normal congregational worship is where seeds get planted. (Mark 4:26-29, 1 Corinthians 3:6)  It is the prayer of the church that as relationships grow outside the church, the love of Christ will be displayed and the seeds will grow.  As the Holy Spirit fosters those relationships, God will grow the congregational side of the body.  As we continue in the above points, God says “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47)  The Acts Fellowship’s responsibility is to plant the seeds and allow God to grow them.  As we live life “continuing daily” the curiosity about God and the love felt to those outside the body will grow, by the Holy Spirit.  (Acts 5:14)  When we are faithful to do what God has called the believer to do, others will feel safe to embrace the God who loves them.