Christ and Scripture
Jesus is Lord and Scripture governs belief and practice.
WHEN A GROUP MATURES
Healthy church.
A discovery group does not need to pretend to be a church on day one. As disciples mature, Scripture should increasingly shape life together.
Teaching
Believers devote themselves to sound teaching, not personality-driven novelty.
Fellowship
People genuinely know, love, serve and carry one another's burdens.
Prayer
Prayer is normal, corporate and dependent on God.
Baptism
New believers publicly identify with Jesus in baptism.
Breaking bread
The church remembers Christ and shares life around the table.
Generosity
Giving is willing, generous and free from manipulation.
Mission
The church helps others follow Jesus instead of existing only for itself.
Care and correction
Sin is addressed with truth, love, restoration and responsibility.
Qualified leadership
Elders and overseers are tested for biblical character and qualification before being entrusted with authority.
A SIMPLE TEST
Are we becoming more obedient to Jesus, more loving toward one another, and more able to make disciples?
Growth in numbers is not enough. Scripture repeatedly measures maturity by obedience, love, fruit and faithfulness.