Last week, Tyrone, Andrew, R.C., Alison, Carrie, and Bridget went over the many reasons (and sometimes excuses) that groups have for no longer gathering together, or breaking apart.

This week, they want to share about how expectations can hurt a group, what the different seasons of a church can look like (and how to push through the tougher seasons), and a few earthly and heavenly realities of the church.

Expectations (or “Wish Dreams”)

Example Expectations:

* I’m going to get the model on how to do this and then reproduce it.

* I’ve read all the books, so I know how this should look already.

* I know Jesus, I just need the church practicals.

* I know I have things to learn, but I also have much to share, and can’t wait to share it.

* Organic church will save my kids/marriage/family/etc.

These are just a few examples of expectations that can either be, or lead to, what we call wish dreams. This term was coined by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who defined the Wish Dream as the “right way of doing things” mentality (or expectations of what church should look like). He said,

“The serious Christian, set down for the first time in a Christian community, is likely to bring with him a very definite idea of what Christian life together should be and to try to realize it. But God’s grace speedily shatters such dreams.”

Our Wish dreams will destroy things of the Lord quicker than anything. The Church is to meet the Lord’s whole desire.

Church Life

Body Life

* Heavenly Reality

* Earthly Reality

* Body Being Built Together

* For His purpose

* Different body parts

Life of the Individual Member

* Consistent & intentional pursuit of the Lord:“We never grow closer to God when we just live life. It takes deliberate pursuit and attentiveness.” – Francis Chan

* What is directing our lives: external systems vs. internal life of the Lord?

Seasons of the Church

* Spring-New growth

* Summer-Fullness

* Fall-Harvest

* Winter-Barren, Rest, Dry, Deepening Roots

Spiritual Battle

* A real battle

* The world is hell-bent against an expression or many expressions of Christ on the earth.

More Helpful Thoughts

* God’s intention for outside help/ministry of Christ

* People will leave

* This is Christ’s Church, not our group – He builds with whomever He chooses

* Have a plan for new people

* Don’t let new people throw the group off track

Conclusion

* We need a revelation of a bigger Christ!

* We have been placed on this earth for a purpose. The church exists for a purpose.

* We cannot serve two masters. (Such as the American dream and Christ’s dream. This is untangling from the world.)

* Planning Meetings

* It is okay for the group to decide to take breaks from regular corporate meetings (for a season).

* Meeting together under the headship of Christ–Kingdom Communities

* Is possible and not a pipe dream

* We cannot do this, but Christ is more than able and He will see His Purpose Fulfilled

* Christ in You!