Gatherings
pdxbc has a variety of gatherings that are designed for people to help each other become more whole and bring the beauty of God into our world. Rather than placing an emphasis on multiplying a gathering, we’re shifting the focus to multiplying disciples and subsequently planting churches both nationally and internationally in order that the kingdom of God would spread like yeast through dough and become a resting place for the nations. We desire to be a haven that practically equips church planters and which purposes to network with other believers, organizations, and churches around the world in order to accomplish the task to which God has called us (Matthew 28:18-20 ). |
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| Ekklesia (City Church) | |
| Definition: | “An assembly of Christians gathered (from their homes into a public place) for worship – the community of the redeemed called by and to Christ in the fellowship of his salvation.� |
| Vision: | A gathering of the city church for worship, prayer, mission, and/or compassion. (Acts 2:46; 5:12,42) |
| Purpose: | Worship and prayer as a trans-denominational body of believers in the city which propels us towards greater love and unity as we missionally collaborate. |
| Koinonia (House Church) | |
| Definition: | To share in, participation, communion, “A relationship between individuals which involves a common interest (Christ) and a mutual, active participation in that interest and in each other.� |
| Vision: | A community of 10-30 disciples who make disciples and journey through life together. |
| Purpose: | Eating together, applying Scripture, consuming Christ, and praying in unity in homes. These gatherings are modeled after the 1st century church and inspired by the Agape Feast. |
| We endeavor to continually devote ourselves to (Acts 2:42-47; 4:31-35): |
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| 1. | The teaching: In the 1st century, the apostles planted churches and authoritatively taught the doctrines of Scripture to the church. As elders were appointed from within these churches, they were entrusted with the responsibility to shepherd, hold fast to the teachings of the apostles, and exhort in sound doctrine with a view to application, refuting those who contradict (ie. 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus). The elders were to watch their lives and teaching closely. |
| In response, it was the responsibility of the body of Christ to receive the Word with great joy, examine the Scriptures daily to verify the authenticity of what had been taught (Acts 17:11), apply the Scriptures in order that they would live godly lives which were above reproach (1 Timothy 5:7; Titus 2:1-5), walk in the good works prepared beforehand for them by God (Ephesians 2:10), and proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). |
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| 2. | Fellowship: Literally, “Close association involving mutual interests and sharing, harmonious unity (in Christ).� All those who had believed were together, had all things in common, and continued with one mind. They gathered resources (sold property/possessions), sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. |
| 3. | The breaking of bread: All those who had believed gathered together in homes eating meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, eating Christ’s given body (breaking bread), and drinking Christ’s blood (of the covenant - wine) poured out for the forgiveness of sins. In this, they remembered Christ (Luke 22:19-20), participated in the body and blood of Christ as one unified body (1 Corinthians 10:16-17), experienced reconciliation with believers or the discipline/judgment of God (1 Corinthians 11:17-34), possessed eternal life (will live forever), remained in Christ and He in them (John 6:53-58), and proclaimed the Lord’s death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). |
| 4. | Prayer: All those who had believed gathered together in order to pray. They drew near with confidence to the throne of grace so that they might receive mercy and find grace to help in their time of need (Hebrews 4:16), made their needs and requests known to God with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6), and asked/prayed according to the will of God (1 John 5:14-15). |
| As a result, the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. |
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| Teleios (Spiritual Development) | |
| Definition: | “…adulthood, full-grown, mature – in mind and understanding; in knowledge of the truth; in faith and virtue… brought to its end, finished, wanting nothing necessary to completeness.� |
| pdxbc endeavors to have three facets of spiritual development which serve to enable the body of Christ to become mature in order that disciples might be made and churches may be multiplied both nationally and internationally. | |
| Mentorship Chains | |
| Sub-networks of the Home Churches initiated by a mentored, faithful disciple through which intentional relationships are developed for the purpose of transparency, accountability, and life transformation in the context of ministry/service. | |
| We desire that every faithful disciple be relationally connected to a mature disciple, purposefully connected with and accountable to another faithful disciple in ministry (co-laborers), and intentionally connected to an infant disciple as we together follow, love, and obey Christ. This process is intentionally relational, purposefully connective, structurally fluid, and practically applied. | |
| Communal Theology | |
| The Ephesians 4 (e4) School of Theology consists of intensively theological mentored communities which challenge and equip believers for life, godliness, and works of service. Some examples of courses may be Re-imagining the Church, Biblical Evangelism, Spiritual Transformation, Spiritual Warfare, Biblical Stewardship… |
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| Leadership Development | |
| Gatherings specific to those serving in a leadership capacity. This could include elders/overseers, deacons (assistants to the elders/overseers), equippers, mentors, and ministry team servants. | |
| While pdxbc is an elder led church, we recognize that empowering servant leaders is crucial to the fulfillment of our mission. However, all these leaders are called to intentionally make disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey the commands of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). |
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