Do I Really Need Church?October 14, 2012

“And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power…”

Matthew 10:1

How important is church really?

“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”

Acts 20:28

God created the church so I could belong to the Body of Christ

“And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:18

We exist to transform lives in the DC metro area through an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ founded upon the life and teachings of the Orthodox faith.

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods…

Acts 2:42-47

…and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”

Acts 2:42-47

1) Community/fellowship2) Worship/prayer3) Doctrine/spiritual growth4) Sacrifice/giving5) Evangelism/witnessing

The Five Pillars of STSA

Community

Growth

Worship

Giving

Witnessing

COMMUNITY

Limitless Acceptance

Authentic Community

“so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”

Romans 12:5

Life & Leisure Groups

Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.

Acts 2:44-47

WORSHIP

Transformational Communal

Worship

Passionate Pursuit of God

“I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD ."

Psalm 122:1

Prayer team

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Christ-like Integrity

Faith-filled Vision

“that we should no longer be children,…[but] may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ”

Ephesians 4:15

Membership Classes

SACRIFICE/GIVING

Irrational Generosity

Faithful Stewardship of

Talents/Gifts

Tithing & Volunteering

WITNESS/EVANGELISM

Personal Call to Evangelism

Genuine Love for Community

The Well & The Website

“You that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 16:18-19

“You that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 16:18-19

Who’s in?