05. Function like an Acts 2 Fellowship
Scripture: Acts 2:37-47
What are the people gathering around your table committing to become?
In this series, we have moved from a vision to action: gather a few, give them a shared purpose, and discover Jesus through Bible stories while learning to love and obey Him.
Now comes the next step:
Become a church that lives what it discovers.
Discover the Picture Together
When your group is ready, explore Acts 2:37-47 through a 3/3rds Discovery Bible Study.
Read how people responded to the gospel, were baptized, and began sharing life together.
“They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.”
Acts 2:42 WEB
They shared resources, met needs, gathered in homes, and praised God. The Lord added people who were being saved.
Ask your group:
“What would it mean for us to live this way?”
Make the Commitment
The “Function as a Church” picture helps you remember your shared commitment.
Changing the circle from a dotted line to a solid line represents your decision to be a church together.
The symbols identify the practices you commit to develop:
- Baptism: Help new believers obey Jesus through baptism.
- Bible: Receive Scripture and put it into practice.
- Bread and cup: Remember Jesus through the Lord’s Supper.
- Fellowship: Share life and care for one another.
- Giving and ministry: Share resources and respond to needs.
- Prayer: Seek God individually and together.
- Praise: Worship Him and celebrate His goodness.
- Telling others about Jesus: Share the gospel and help people follow Him.
- Leaders: Develop faithful people who serve, care, and equip others.
Acts 2 provides the starting picture. Other Scriptures help us understand these practices more fully.
You are committing to grow in them together.
Build a Life You Can Pass On
In the next three articles, we will unpack these commitments: becoming a church, living as a spiritual family, and equipping people to reach others.
Keep the destination clear:
By the end of your second year together, each family unit works toward helping begin at least one new house-to-house church that does the same.
The prayer, love, generosity, obedience, and shared responsibility you practice now prepare you to help that household.
Our vision reaches toward finishing the Great Commission by 2033. Your next step begins around your table or in your living room.
Open Acts 2. Discover it together. Commit to live it. Then help another household do the same.
Ordinary People. Extraordinary Movements.
Want to go further?
All ten Zúme discipleship lessons are on my site, free, with the video and the same teaching notes I use when I train leaders in person. Take them on your own, take them with a few friends, or join me live on Zoom and I will teach them to you face to face. When you finish, tell me and I will coach you personally.
Start the ten lessons:
https://internationalafricanmobilization.com/training/terrys-zume-teaching-series/
Join a live training –
https://zume.training/join-a-training
Next Steps form: https://airtable.com/appUh4Y3McdFcQ8Xg/pagCyMWEWZbPNlyH5/form
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExZPDnIZ53M
Series playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJmb0Da-UPyM
Your gift would be tax deductible and overseen by Northside Christian Church, our sending church. There are many we coach that could use encouragement in small ways to accomplish great things.
Terry Ruff