The Church Gathered & Scattered
There are many ways to ‘do’ church. In other words the Bible does not tell us that we have to meet at a certain time or even a certain day. The early church met on the 1st day of the week because that was the day Jesus resurrected from the dead. But when you read the story of Acts you soon discover they actually met together in peoples homes every day! The church consists of those who have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior and now have a relationship with Him. So the church is ‘people’ – not an organization; rather it is an organism which consists of people who know Jesus and who sometimes meet together in homes, buildings or as in some cultures under a tree; all for the purpose of teaching, communion, fellowship and prayer made up of such people organized around a leadership and a common purpose.
The church gathered was designed for those who are Christians to build them up in the faith. Non-Christians would also be welcomed during the gatherings but the purpose was more for Christians to worship and learn about their faith. When the people left the gathering they would scatter into the surrounding cities and towns and villages and model what they had been learning. This would cause others to ask them about their faith and afford opportunities for them to tell others about Jesus. The ‘others’ would then want to know more and either learn it from their Christian friends or come and experience the church gathered. Therefore, we believe the primary emphasis of the church gathered should be to help build up the ‘Church’ – the people – those called to a common purpose to worship and learn together. That does not mean we can’t have special meetings designed to tell others about Jesus but it does mean that when we are scattered we are still the church and should be doing all we can to impact others with the good news that God loves them and died for their sins.
We also witness in the Book of Acts that the Apostles went around organizing groups of people by appointing elders to be the leaders and teachers of the people. They would meet together regularly for several reasons clearly identified in Acts chapter 2. Acts 2:42-47
Read My Vision For The Church by Pastor Carl Dixon
The church gathers together weekly for worship, Bible Study, and prayer. Service Times
The primary focus of the teaching ministry is patterned from Ephesians 4:12 ” to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…”
The church is not an organization that meets in a building; rather it is an organism which consists of people who know Jesus and who sometimes meet together in homes, buildings or as in some cultures under a tree; all for the purpose of teaching, communion, fellowship and prayer. However, when the church – the people, are scattered, whether near or far we are still the church and should be doing all we can to impact others with the good news that God loves them and died for their sins.
Our missionaries are a vital part of the body of Christ and at Calvary Chapel of Sarasota. They receive financial, emotional and spiritual support from us here at home. You will find most listed and print and highlighted during our church-gathered meetings although some are not due to security concerns.
What is missions?
Missions is an endeavor to fulfill the Great commission of Christ, by proclaiming the gospel, making disciples, establishing churches, and relating the need of mankind, both in this nation and throughout the world.
Purpose
The primary objective of Calvary Chapel Sarasota Missions Outreach is to reach the unreached people groups of the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ focusing on making disciples to establish functioning New Testament churches with indigenous self-governance and self-support as concurrent goals.
We also endeavor to outreach within our home communities and partner with like-minded ministries. Some examples are widow and orphan care, jail and prison ministry, college and student ministries, unwed mothers and crisis pregnancies, and responses to natural disasters and man-made crises.
Missionary Care
“Around the World Missionary Care” allows families, individuals and ministries within the church body to ‘adopt’ missionaries that are supported by Calvary Chapel Sarasota. This blesses you with the opportunity to provide encouragement, prayer and spiritual support to your ‘adopted’ missionary. There is no financial commitment involved, though you are welcome to support the missionary financially if God leads you to do so. Information packets on the missionaries will be provided for you at the time of registration. Have general questions or interested in getting started?
Short Term Missions
A valid passport is your first step towards short-term missions. and should be Standard Issue for all Christians. We strongly encourage young and old to take Jesus’ words in Matthew 9:37-38 and Matthew 28:18-20 to heart and keep our eyes and ears open for opportunities to join the task. We offer many short-term opportunities throughout the year in support of our long-term missionaries or other great missions that are brought to our attention.
