The Book "Pagan Christianity" sturs interest in The Ancient Church

[Greg Monroe]

I have found myself responding to a lot of preconceived notions about The Ancient Church recently because of the new trendy book titled "Pagan Christianity" from The Barna Group.
On Youtube I am seeing a number of videos and discussions, and I have started pointing those who seem interested in the idea of starting a Home Church modeled on The Apostolic Age church towards COTACF. There is a fresh move of the Spirit coming, and I urge everyone to be prepared for the surge of interest this book has generated.

Out of all of the numerous Internet Groups out there seeking to facilitate the Home Church Movement, I feel that COTACF is best equipped to answer the questions, and encourage those who are now seeking to escape the pagan trappings of the modern Church.

I also, would ask for guidance and support from the Bishops as to how to approach these issues in video on my two channels.

[Joshua]

Hello Greg,

While the interest in the Apostolic Faith being generated by the text is a wonderful thing; my oh my what a dangerous book that is. It truly needs to be read by a careful mind, and fact checked lest someone be led astray.

That being said, the Apostolic Faith was built on an Apostolic Model. Christ chose disciples and sent them as apostles(messengers, those who are sent forth, etc) who in turn organized fellow-workers, and as congregations aged appointed Overseers and Elders elected from within the congregations.

In later generations, these Overseers and Elders sent apostles of their own to plant congregations even further, or in areas where Christianity had receded in recent years. The key difference is that the Overseer or Bishop stands as the successor to the authority of the Apostles, while the charisma of the office of the apostle continues to exist under their guidance; whereas the Apostles were operating with the authority and mandate given to them by Christ himself and had no need to be under the authority of an Overseer.

One can see traces of this system through the texts of the New Testament(especially the Pauline Epistles), and in the Didache; which speaks of how to receive prophets, teachers, and apostles.

With this in mind, the best way to organize people who are interested in forming a proper home Church would be to encourage them to assemble together for praise and worship; to devote themselves to prayer and the reading of the Scriptures, and works of Love according to our shared faith. They should be put in touch with an apostle from an established Church who can properly preach to them the Gospel, and help them grow their congregation so that in time a teacher can be sent to instruct them further.

Those in need should be baptized, and in time they can elect for themselves Elders and they can become an established Church in their own right.

Any who, I hope that helps answer your question. If you want to talk about it more, feel free to contact me.

Peace and be well,
Joshua

[Rev. Timothy Buss]

Dear Br. Greg:
It certainly is good to see your participation on the site. Your reporting on the book Pagan Christianity is certainly very timely. Keep them coming, brother.

I have not had the opportunity to review the version of Pagan Christianity that was produced jointly by Mr. Frank Viola and the Barna group. I do however, have a copy of Mr. Viola's original version of Pagan Christianity. While I appreciate the research that he has put into that book and the three other books I have, I find Mr. Viola's tone to be rather bitter and sour. He has been anti-clergy and that is not Biblical. The other issue I have with his points of view is that he draws most of the form and function of his model from the very earliest churches. The earliest churches function somewhat differently than churches founded at the end of the century and beyond. What Mr. Viola also tends to ignore was that every church in a particular town was under the authority of a Bishop. There was careful and deliberate oversight that came into place as the early church grew. All this said, I must say that I have learned a great deal from his books and there is much good information within them.

More importantly than whether the church meets as a small group in a home is, are they following true Kingdom principles in the conduct of their church? While I personally see much benefit in the small group church, there is always the potential for trouble when elders are not properly trained or selected. What I am referring to is not necessarily simply biblical knowledge, but rather whether they can live the principles that they are attempting to convey to others.

I am very interested in becoming involved in the discussion at large about this, and would appreciate any links which you could send me to the videos to which you've spoken of. I would also be most pleased to assist you in answering the questions that others may pose to you. Please continue to let those people with whom you have contact with that we are ready and willing to answer questions and enter the discussion. I agree with Joshua that much discernment is required in dealing with this new version of Pagan Christianity, as was the older one. Happily, we are ready, willing and able to help all who come to our site.

Again Br. Greg, thank you for your valuable input. I will be dropping you an e-mail in the next day or two so that we can keep an active dialogue going between us.

Blessings in Christ,

+Timothy

[Greg Monroe]

Thank you for your input Bishop Timothy,

The links you requested are as follows....

Read Pagan Christianity - ChristoferL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzQoEeYX9e0

Communion - which way is THE WAY? - ChristoferL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go3ifsuQAoU

Further thoughts on Pagan Christianity - ChristoferL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JL6rdPs2XE

Your not Saved by... - Holyground4u
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZDQsfl0MOM

Pagan Christianity - Apostolic Issues - Holyground4u
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmeb3lYrHPI

There are other minor videos involved, but these are the main thread.
Be sure to read the comments section as well.


God Bless
Greg Monroe