65 Epilogue - The Call to Gather as Fellowships

Epilogue The Call to Gather as Fellowships This book has been prepared to encourage believers to gather in small gatherings under the headship of Jesus Christ. Thus, no man is head over the fellowships as a whole that gather in this way. Though servant-leaders are submitted to, there is no one brother over all fellowships controlling them. True submission to authority in the Church should not be because of someone who was voted in or hired, but because of their spiritual walk with the Lord. Thus, people submit to them willingly, seeing Christ formed in them and desiring to emulate their walk in the Lord. Each Gospel Fellowship meeting is autonomous and accountable to the Lord directly, and as the Lord networks groups together, they will mutually submit to each other for accountability as the Spirit leads them. Leaders will be raised up by the Lord as He brings out their giftings. When gatherings multiply and expand, some brothers will have responsibility over many groups to shepherd them. We believe there is a movement of the Spirit to gather believers as the Bride of Christ. We believe this book is simply a response to what the Lord is already doing in these last days, to purify and grow His Church and His Kingdom. Even though being called of God to start a gathering does not demand that you be accountable to another spiritual brother, there is great wisdom in seeking to be under an elder brother. It is helpful to be connected with other brothers in the local area that you can respect and unify with who are in already established house churches. Even if a brother is involved in a denominational church, it can be wise to be spiritually submitted to that brother, although the new gathering of believers will not be under that denomination. Yet, in a time of apostasy especially, there will be situations where you cannot submit to other pastors in your area, and you are free by the leading of the Lord to start a new work though it can come with ridicule and misunderstanding. You do not need permission to gather as the Church in groups of even just two or three believers. You do not need permission to break the Lord's Supper or baptize someone who is clearly following Jesus Christ as a disciple. House church ministry must be birthed in prayer. Prayer is the foundation of every true work of God that builds the Lord's kingdom. Thus, to begin to pray and cry out to the Lord together in small gatherings will be a healthy atmosphere for the Lord to begin to show favor to the humble. Here are some practical guidelines towards gathering as believers. Focus on the Lord Jesus Christ. The meeting is unto Him. Remember His blood redemption by taking the Lord's Supper together. Encourage believers to read through the daily scripture reading plan found in the appendix of this volume. Have believers share what the Lord taught them through their readings the week before. Pray for boldness of the Holy Spirit to witness during the week. Make sure to have great love for each sister and brother in Christ, for this is how we will know that we are true disciples. Submit to brethren who are mature in the Lord and who are servant leaders. Encourage many servant leaders to be raised up to lead other groups. The rest of this book is given as a resource for such groups gathering under the headship of Jesus Christ. The appendix sections are here for reference and study as needed. We encourage believers gathering in small groups to use them as a basis of unity. Believers might not fully agree with every statement in this book, but we do believe the majority of statements are an effective unifying tool for the body of Christ as they gather together under the headship of Jesus Christ. Gospel Fellowships is about Jesus Christ. He is the purpose for everything. He is the reason for us gathering. His name is the greatest name. He is the head of the church, the life of the believer, the glory of God. Jesus and Him alone should be our attention. Many have not yet experienced and know this glorious name above every name. May God give us a firm faith in the work of the Holy Spirit to network and birth gatherings in local areas as we follow the Lord in obedience. At midnight the cry rang out, Here's the bridegroom. Come out to meet him. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Lord, your church will never fail. We look to you as the end of the age approaches. May all glory be to the Lamb. May His gospel be shared with all. Please do this, Father, for your name's sake and honor. We long to be with you in robes of white in endless eternity. Redeem your saints at the appointed time. Gather your elect to be a bride for your Son. Through your Spirit work a work no man can put his name on, so all glory will be given to you. Amen.