There is a difference between Convictional and Inspirational gatherings or communities. Convictional Community - in its essential simplicity, if it is to be Christian, needs to be small. This does not mean that there cannot be larger gatherings. Nor does it mean there cannot be gathered groupings of smaller units. But for Christian faith to find participational development in the lives of people, creatively rooted in Christ, it requires gatherings of people that are small enough for meaningful relationships and reciprocal accountability to be expressed, developed and realised through experimental Christian living. Only then can the essential, virtue indicators of Christian community - such as love, forgiveness and compassion - be shaped and driven by the presence of Christ in the midst; and lead to practical and developed expression through intentional, relational living.
Inspirational gatherings are important. They confront and challenge, calling for decision and dedication. They can refresh and even reorientate. But they are gatherings where good preaching is performance and distinguishable from real teaching that always requires tutoring and evaluative feedback. Jesus embraced the inspirational. But his relationship with disciples in shaping the DNA of church was built through developing convictional community.
There was a time when formal, church gatherings could operate as essentially inspirational gatherings, with their praise songs, prayers and preaching. These resourced the intentional relationality of local communities that really were seeking to live out their lives in a Christian way. Accountable communities, where people knew one another well.
But real life is more complex today. People live in fluid, flexible communities. It is good to have inspirational gatherings that inspire. That challenge. Even entertain. Yet the heart of church? The DNA needs to be worked out in accountable relationships. This is what discipleship is really about. And without such discipleship, we reduce Christian gatherings to a charade and a parody of what church is meant to be.
To be real, it must be relational.
