GETTING STARTED - The DIY Factor:
Jesus promised in Matthew 18:20 to be present in every gathering, large or small, giving us permission to be the Church everywhere believers go. We can tap into the existence of the ever present Christ and his Church at any time, in any place, on any day of the week. Jesus made Church so simple that anyone can do it, it is as simple as two Christians gathered together, he made Church totally DIY - Do It Yourself!

The First Century Church was a DIY Church. The First Century Church is an example of how simple Church can be and at the same time be powerful enough to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ around the known world. The First Century Church met every day in everyday places - living rooms, markets, work, town squares. The First Century Church was relational, they gathered together regularly, they ate together, they shared what they had with those in need. The First Century Church not only sent out "missionaries" to take the Gospel to the far ends of the earth, they spread the Gospel themselves as they were scattered abroad by persecution. The First Century Church was able to make such an impact that they were accused of turning the world up-side down in less than thirty years - all without cathedrals, professional preachers, seminaries, denominations, missions boards, worship bands, ushers, budget committees, non-profit corporations, etc., etc., etc.

The leaders of the First Century Church were "unschooled, ordinary men" whose only qualifications were that they "had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13). The Church was filled with regular folk who were not "wise by human standards" or "influential", and few were of "noble birth" (1 Corinthians 1:26). But those who call on Jesus Christ are declared to be "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9). Each one is considered to be a member of God's priesthood, a minister with a personal ministry to fulfill, "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (1 Peter. 4:10)

WHERE TO BEGIN?:
- Gather with your Christian brothers and sisters for a short time of prayer for each other during break time at work or between classes at school.

- Meet before school or work at a local cafe to read and discuss a favorite verse in the Bible.

- Have some Christian friends over for a pot-luck dinner and just spend the evening in fellowship and prayer.

- Have lunch with a Christian and talk about how you found Jesus.

- Ask the checker at the grocery store if you could pray for any needs that they might have, don't hold up the line, but be sure to let them know you will remember to pray for them when you get home.

- Go to a local coffee shop like Starbucks to read your Bible and watch how God brings people to you for fellowship and prayer. This is one of my favorite ones, it works best if you pick a certain time and day, then be sure to be there on a regular basis.

- Gather with a few brothers and sisters in your living room to read a chapter in the Bible and for prayer. Don't forget to have some apple pie with ice cream - food is always a great way to develope community.

There are so many ways to start Gathering In His Name, it is so simple, you just have to start doing it. As you gather keep in mind that Jesus is there with you and know that no matter how simple or small your gathering is it is Church! Go for it because Church is supposed to be DIY - Do It Yourself.

Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
(Hebrews 13:20-21)

More to come...