The Church I Couldn't Find: How a First-Century Church May Look in the Twenty-First Century

After a year of searching, Charles and Verna could not find a church, or a denomination, that was very meticulous in restoring some, essential, principles of first century praxis. Consequently, this book offers ways of dealing with the question, "How?" It also provides practical approaches of dealing with the theological questions arising from his major book, Time and the Biblical Bang. This book, on church life, not only restores those early principles, but shows how they can be restored in every church.

Development of five Apostolic principles is encouraged through the practicalities of church planting, and in the context of Group-based churches. Almost, as an aside, the author was used by God in the building of three new churches. Showing why most churches are not biblical or traditional enough, the major emphasis of ministry was not on buildings but on raising effective disciples.

There is a major difference between programme churches, that have home groups, and churches totally based in the home group. People have to change, and so do structures. People need to experience spiritual gifting; structures need to be focused, not in status, but the openness in raising and developing holy and gifted leadership. The focus is outwards- on church planting and meeting needs. Hierarchical, institutional titles give way to a people who are affirmed in spiritual gifting through training, encouragement and accountability. The clergy-centered church must lose its power to a leadership that is capable of being surprised by God.

"Unfortunately, too many contemporary clergy are reticent to let go control of church communities. This book is a challenge to so-called lay people, to lay hold on Spirit anointing in order to become truly, part of the priesthood of all believers." (1Pet.2:9)