Drew Oakley

February 2023

Two thousand years ago, a gathering of people in a Middle-Eastern city began a movement. Encircling the globe and leaving its mark on individuals and cultures on every continent, this movement would eventually become known as the church.

INTRODUCTION

When we think of church, why is a building the first thing that comes to mind? Is church a place full of robes and pews? Bands and banners? Or is church meant to refer to something different?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of church?

2. What were your first/early experiences of attending church? Were those positive or negative experiences in your faith journey?

3. Read Matthew 16:17-18. In your words, how do you define church? What is the mission of the church?

4. After reading the first two chapters in Acts, what is the thing that sticks out to you the most about church that first day?

5. If the church began as a movement, how do you see the church moving today?

6. If the church began as a movement, what can you do to be a part of that movement?

MOVING FORWARD

Church is much more than a building or a place. Church is more than pews or hymnals, lights and music. In fact, on opening day, the church had no buildings or rituals, no bands or robed choirs. What it did have was a gathering of people who were intent on one thing: to create followers of Jesus Christ. In that sense, the church was a movement that continues today, a multiplying, multi-cultural gathering of people who believe that Jesus is the Savior and whose lives reflect his teaching.

CHANGING YOUR MIND

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39