Lesson 2:  Aquila and Priscilla model for us in first century Christianity, various expressions of intential Christian community and ministry.

Over and above their local church involvement, A and P where committed to *monastic community (Acts 18:3), a traveling missionary team (Acts 18:18-19) and a small home based disciple training school (18:26). It’s neat to see that even these first century Christians where strategic, relational, and living intimately with those, whom they committed to doing ministry and mentoring with and for. Let’s talk note of this for the 21rst century.

*“Christian” Monastic Community (Jody’s simple Definition) = An intentional community of Christian singles, married people, or married people with children, who do life together (eat, fellowship, work, etc) or kingdom ministry together, or both, out of one residence or strategically in one neighborhood or region.

Thank God today in the 21rst century there are numerous local and global ministries, mission organizations, bible schools and seminary’s, DTS (discipleship trainings school) and even Christian monastic communities that invite people into this type of kingdom living and work.

 I don’t think this has to be complicated, Look at how A and P did it…. if you have a house with an extra room consider how you might you use that space to invite another person or couple into ministry together. Even just for a short time. Or if you know a person who desires to be a follow of Jesus or who wants to go deeper and become more mature, consider inviting them into your home for several weeks or months of training and mentoring.

Warning: This type of commitment is not easy as many of us Christian are still in the process of becoming like Christ, many of us are not fully there yet, so it can get messy. But at the same time I think this is the best biblical model for Christian living and ministry, I have had the privilege to be a part of several such things over the years and promise you it is worth it. It has had huge impact in my spiritual growth as well as many others.

I recently read a Christian article on how God likes to use two’s and three’s to do his work, here is the link, very interesting to see this pattern in scriptures.

 http://www.cmaresources.org/article/the-power-of-2-or-3

 

Blessings to you folks today,

Jody