This Bible study outline examines the New Testament model for Christian assembly, compares it to the practices of today, and suggest practical methods to ensure our modern fellowship and meetings fulfill the purpose set forth by the original apostles of Jesus Christ.

1. Organic Worship
Reviving the New Testament Model for Christian Fellowship and Assembly
2014, Breath of Life International Church

2. Agenda
Defining “Organic” Worship
What’s the purpose?
Ekklesia
What did the original New Testament Church look like?
Rules of Engagement
Examining the history and content of 1 Corinthians 11-15…
Church Leadership
What did it look like? Can it work for us now?
Renewing the Mind
How do we get back to the blueprint for worship and leadership?
1
2
5
3
4
6 Breaking Traditions
Are you up for the challenge?

3. What is an “organic” church?
Defining the Church
• The people, not the building
• The collective group of “called
out ones
• Born-again believers
• Individuals adopted into the
family of God through adoption
by the blood of Jesus Christ
• The Body of Christ
• The Bride of Christ
The ORGANIC
CHURCH (ekklesia) is
a spiritual organism
rather than an
organizational
institution
ORGANIC implies an
entity is alive and
growing; living

4. Ekklesia, Greek
• An assembly
• Translated to “church”
• Denoting a people called together
Characteristics of the Ekklesia
• According to the Apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42)
• Doctrine
• Fellowship
• Breaking Bread (The Lord’s Supper)
• Prayer
• Informal, home meetings
• Established community of believers
• Shared accountability
• Combination of elected and called leadership
• Self-governing “churches” or gatherings
• Daily fellowship
• Identity in Christ, rather than affiliation (1 Corinthians
1:11-13)
Ekklesia
The New Testament Church
Sound Doctrine
FellowshipBreaking Bread
Prayer

5. ReFOCUS
Spectator
Model
• “Professional” leadership
• Tiered structure
• Linear, singular accountability
• Scheduled fellowship
• Controlled assembly
• Focus on receiving
• Leadership dictates
Participative
Model
• Servant leadership
• Webbed structure
• Joint accountability
• Frequent fellowship
• Free flowing assembly
• Focus on sharing
• Leadership directs
From Entertainment to Edification

6. 1 CORINTHIANS 14
• Operate in love (vs. 1)
• Always aim to edify (vs. 12)
• Bring songs, doctrine (messages),
revelation, prophecy, tongues, etc. (vs. 26)
• Speak in tongues with interpretation (vs.
27-28)
• Prophesy and judge the prophecy (vs. 29,
32-33)
• Study and ask questions before gathering
to ensure minimal interruptions (vs. 34-
35)
• Desire to prophesy, that others will be
edified; do not forbid speaking in
tongues (vs. 39)
• All things must be done decently and in
order (vs. 40)
• Teach and admonish one another
(Colossians 3:16)
• Don’t limit the Holy Spirit; Prove all things
(1 Thessalonians 5:14-22)
• Don’t neglect or avoid fellowship
(Hebrews 10:24-25)
• Every one should minister as assigned
and graced by God (1 Peter 4:10-11)
• All prophesy points to Christ (Revelation
19:10)
OTHER BIBLICAL GUIDELINES
Rules of Engagement
Guidelines for Corporate Gatherings

7. SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP
FUNCTION
• Spiritual Identity
• Ascension Gifts
• Apostle
• Prophet
• Evangelist
• Pastor
• Teacher
• Called and anointed by God
• Assigned to the Body of Christ
• Unlimited jurisdiction
• Attention to spiritual growth and needs
• Variable
POSITION
• Spiritual Election
• Church Position
• Elders/Bishops
• Deacons
• Called and elected by men
• Abilities may be acquired or learned
• Positions to be desired
• Appointed by God through the approval
of men
• Jurisdiction within the local assembly
• Attention to natural needs
• Static
ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP
New Covenant Leadership

8. Matthew 15:3
• But he answered and said unto them, Why
do ye also transgress the commandment
of God by your tradition?
Mark 7:8, 13
• For laying aside the commandment of
God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the
washing of pots and cups: and many other
such like things ye do.
• Making the word of God of none effect
through your tradition, which ye have
delivered: and many such like things do
ye.
Renewing the Mind

9. Study the Word of God
• Get understanding; use your resources
• Ask questions
Change Your Mindset
• Let go of tradition
• Remove pride; release control
• Be open to change
• Check your motives
• Overcome fear
Be Open to the Holy Spirit
• Operate by faith
• Be diligent in prayer
Take Responsibility
• Be willing to sacrifice
• Be accountable to and for others
• Challenge yourself and others
Breaking Traditions

10. Organic Worship
Reviving the New Testament Model for Christian Fellowship and Assembly
2014, Breath of Life International Church