The Better Church.

Following from a few recent posts on a church as a gathering where people are taught, edified and educated in the faith and its texts, rather than being the audience in a religious ritual, I thought this pattern might work.

Three times a year weekend conferences, teaching days, are held. They might be called 'Equips', 'Refreshs' or 'Recharges' (I hate the term 'Retreat').

These could work over a cycle of 5 years, so 15 weekend session that cover the Bible, theology, apologetics.

The first year of the cycle might go:

1. Bible: overview of the flow of the whole Bible and how it all fits together to the coming of the Kingdom of Christ.

2. The theology of redemption and salvation that also flows through the Bible.

3. The 7 basic questions of Christian faith.

In subsequent years the Bible Equip would cover the text, archeology, and life-application of transformed thought (Romans 12:2)

The theology cycle would discuss the theological themes in the Apostles creed and the discussion about them: a bit of historical theology thrown in.

Apologetics would include deeper looks at the 7 questions, but additionally the issues that come from Arian groups (Muslims, JWs, Mormons), atheists, and 'new-pagans'.

Year 6, we start again. Perhaps varied format, new presenters/facilitators, etc. There should also be continuing teaching in the basics of Christian life (say a 7 week course), and in practical skills for conducting small groups, evangelistic groups, ete.

Will this happen? Hope so, but not optimistic.