And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.  Acts 2:42-47

The Book of Acts is an incredible history of the church empowered and spreading from place to place.  After Jesus ascended to heaven, His disciples were left behind to carry on the ministry of the Gospel by the power of the Holy Spirit.  In the passage above we read this beautiful description of Christ-centered community.  Wouldn’t you enjoy community with others like that?  Sure, the culture of their day 2000 years ago is much different than our modern cultures today.  But there are certain aspects of this passage that are timeless, and we can experience them now.  These are the functions of the church fueled by the Holy Spirit. 

Do you see the functions of the church in the passage?  By function, I simply mean the primary disciplines of the church.  It’s what the church does, how it functions.  Do you see them? 

…devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…
…to the breaking of bread and the prayers…
…and to fellowship…
…all who believed were together…
…selling their possessions…and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need…
…attending the temple together…
…breaking bread in their homes…
…praising God…

Okay, there may be more, but these are what stuck out to me.  The early church was committed to learning God’s Word together, worshiping together, praying together, partnering and participating together (fellowship), giving to those in need, spending time together, and praising the Lord!  These are some of the functions of the church – the very actions we are expected to do even today.

While culture may be hundreds of years apart these functions are still vital.  Our forms may look different.  Our forms change often.  Some meet in small groups, others in Sunday School classes.  Some have steeples, others don’t.  Some have a single campus, and others have multiple campuses.  Some right now are worshipping virtually and others are outside.  Discipleship programs change as context in the community changes.  Forms are fluid. 

But function is greater than form.  Author Daniel Im urges churches to “Hold your forms loosely, and your functions firmly” (Im, No Silver Bullets).  As Christ’s body we are to function as He wills no matter the form.  Let us always be devoted to discipleship, evangelism, ministry, fellowship, and worship.  Let us at Bethel always Connect, Love, Disciple Serve in whatever form we find ourselves. 

When the early church functioned in the Spirit like Christ, God added to their number.  If we focus on the function over the form perhaps God will add to ours too.  Let’s be the church He called us to be.