What is Church?

Joined by co-host Stuart today, Michelle questions 'What Is Church?'. Both Michelle and Stuart have visited churches all across the world, experiencing different cultures. They discuss the different forms and structures of churches across the world, highlighting the similarities and differences to the one that are more familiar to them. This leads them to explore the historical context of church development, from the influence of Emperor Constantine to the Protestant Reformation. Stuart and Michelle touch on the concept of the Ecclesia, the gathering of believers with political implications, and the importance of worshiping in spirit and truth. They emphasize the need to reevaluate our understanding of church and consider its impact on society. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The term "church" has picked up various meanings and can differ from culture to culture.

• The traditional format of church gatherings, with a focus on a sermon and passive spectatorship, may not align with the New Testament model.

• The word "Ecclesia" used by Jesus refers to a gathering with political implications, where believers are called out to advance God's kingdom in society.

• Church should not be limited to a building or a weekly club-like gathering, but rather a community of believers impacting their communities and engaging in various spheres of society.

BEST MOMENTS

"Church has, over centuries now, has picked up quite a lot of baggage and can mean many different things to different people."

"We've remarked on the fact that you can go to a tribal village, yeah, with a straw roof, but there's somebody at the front wearing sort of a Western shirt and tie and has his microphone and PA system." 

"We're not seeing, you know, if Jesus was to come to our meetings today, or even the Apostle Paul, I think we might be quite surprised at what the feedback would be." 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Enjoying Healthy Living Facebook 

Surviving Trauma, Crisis & Grief Facebook 

Enjoying Healthy Living Instagram 

Survive Trauma Instagram  

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ABOUT THE HOST

Michelle is a master of transition and cross-cultural expert. Her Christian faith of over 35 years has led her to live and serve in six countries on three continents and have over fifty homes. She has a doctorate in Cross-Cultural Mission with a specialism in Natural Health & Nutrition and is a passionate advocate for natural, healthy living. With a huge amount of experience of personal trauma, she is a certified trauma awareness trainer, animal-assisted-therapy certified, CPTSD survivor, and author of the book, Surviving Trauma, Crisis & Grief, in two languages and endorsed by US traumatologist and author, Dr H Norman Wright, one of America's most prominent Christian counsellors. Michelle is a ministry co-founder, voice for freedom, advocate for the family, speaker, artist and singer/songwriter. She homeschooled her three children, has nine grandchildren, is a dog lover and keen gardener with a love for self-sufficiency.

ABOUT THE SHOW
The Christian Wellbeing Show talks about the issues a lot of Christians don't talk about. What is trauma, how does it affect us, how can we heal, and how can the church do better to help? How can Christians be some of the healthiest people on the planet, and why does it matter? What are the five simple steps you can take to stay younger for longer? Michelle faces church control and abuse without flinching, and addresses issues in the church and in the world with courage and honesty. She empowers women, encourages faith, builds hope, reads God's Word, stands for freedom, speaks truth, and won't put up with a religious spirit. With a mix of spiritual inspiration and practical wisdom, solo hosting, guests and amazing co-host, The Christian Wellbeing Show cares about you, your life, faith, health and wellbeing.

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