Characteristics of the Early Church

A Radical, Vibrant and Relational Church Life

There are great pictures of this life in Acts 2:44-47 and 4:32-37, and in Antioch found in Acts 11:19. These passages describe the incredible love these first believers had for the Lord and for one another. Jesus commanded His Kingdom company to love one another and they took Him at His word. In these passages we see:

1. High community, and sharing of life, laughter and love
2. A radical sharing of money and possessions according to need
3. Intense cultural and racial diversity
4. A sending and giving church

Constant Kingdom Expansion

Everything alive grows and multiplies or else it is not alive and is dying. The Kingdom grows and increases because His people live on mission with Him for the world! One of the greatest aspects of genuine Kingdom life is that HIs mission has become ours!

Acts speaks of increase, multiplication, addition, or numbers 22 times. How often have we simply said that God is not concerned about numbers as an excuse for living OUR mission rather than HIS. It’s important to note that we aren’t talking about head-counts on Sunday mornings, we are talking about bringing in and raising up true disciples in God’s Kingdom family. The Kingdom of God should never be static; it must be ever growing, expanding, and reaching out.

Centrality of The Word of God

The Kingdom of God is built upon The Word. These early followers were devoted to growing in The Word.

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.” Acts 2:42

“But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of The Word…And the word of God continued to increase.” Acts 6:4,7

Notice it says that they devoted themselves. This phrase means making a conscious decision and effort to give oneself to someone or something. They devoted themselves to the word of God. It speaks of the centrality of the word in Acts in these ways:

1. Speaking The Word: overall 35 times
2. Teaching: 15 times
3. Preaching: 21 times
4. Speaking: 25 times

Questions to consider:

What about you? Do these traits describe your life and the life of your fellowship?

Does your desire for the Kingdom of God exceed your desire for comfort?

What do you personally need to do to experience God and His Kingdom like these early believers?

How would you build a ministry upon this Kingdom's reality?

This plan was developed from content found in Randy Boyd's book, The Reign.