June 24 - Early Churches

The Church sees itself as the Body of Christ

The church is made up of first century households

Worship, at first, was Probably like synagogue but in a house

They would hear the apostle's teaching, probably have table fellowship and a Eucharist ceremony. the Eucharist involved remembering the life of Christ and anticipation of his return

The first churches were Household churches (different than a contemporary house/house church). Households were like a small organization or network centered around a father (though sometimes it could be a woman). Leadership of household churches did not bear on ethnicity, social standing, or gender. There is no evidence of leaders being appointed, it looks like it resulted as a movement of the spirit. There were a number of women who lead household churches Including the first European Christian, Lydia. The Holy Spirit was among all who believed there was no distinctions where the world tends to make them.There is no evidence that the original apostles had substantial leadership roles. The new apostles (the sent ones, Paul is one) would go to various cities and stay until they got kicked out. They fulfilled roles (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers) but did not exercise top-down authority. There is no evidence that Paul appointed another apostle, but he did work with a number of apostles. It appears that this was a role that the spirit would confer.

Bishop/Elder/Deacon - looks like a household church leader.