total CHURCH

Some people take a fluid view of church in the name of the universal church. They go to conference, join a short-term team, participate in a parachurch organization, claiming that all these constitute their commitment to the church. There may be some validity in calling these things chruch in some sence. But they are not a substitute for the community that the New Testament presupposes in the context of the Christian life. It is easy to love the church in the abstract or to love people short-term. But we are called to love people as we share our lives with them. This is the pathway to Christian growth and holiness. Commitment to the people of God is expressed through commitment to specific congregations. (from Tim Chester and Steve Timmis "total CHURCH") - great stuff!!!