Winning the World

126 Wi nn i ng the Wor l d: Fac i l i tat i ng Urban Chur ch P l ant i ng Movement s

B. The Church as the where of district and locale church cooperation and support

1. The concept of the Locale Church: “The presence and association of all Christ-honoring congregations in a particular geographical area, regardless of form, denomi nation, or structure (whether traditional, community, mega-churches, or cell or house churches) which together represent the body of Christ and kingdom witness in a region.” 2. In the NT, the churches throughout Asia Minor and the Roman empire were connected and built upon the apostolic witness concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ; in every sense, the early Church was a united, universal church (i.e., it was not perceived in abstract language but real terms, concrete and visible). a. One: Eph. 4.4-6 (ESV) – There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call – [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. b. Holy: 1 Pet. 2.9 (ESV) – But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 3. The Nicene markers were there in the early church!

c. Catholic: Titus 2.14 (ESV) – who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.