Winning the World

Session 7: Summary 141

1. Key text: 1 Pet. 2.9-10 (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. [10] Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 2. Definition of the pair: We must strive to see that individuals are strengthened in their faith, while at the same time, develop disciplines spiritually in the context of congregational shared spirituality that is vital and regular.

3. Description of the problem: the tendency to focus either on the growth of individuals alone or envision all spirituality as merely communal seeking after God

4. Deepening our perspective and practice: Our various church building and church planting activities must strive to highlight both the role of the individual striving after God while also the role of the body in sustaining all authentic spiritual vitality.

B. Complimentary Concept Two: incorporated church membership alongside rigorous personal discipleship

1. Key text: Rom. 15.5-7 (ESV) – May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, [6] that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. [7] Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

2. Definition of the pair: We must strive to incorporate people formally into congregations where through repentance, confession of faith, and formal catechumen