Commitment to Entering with Trust and Openness into Church Decision Making
Adult teaching discussion led by Neil Horning

March 25, 2007

What Does it Take to Cultivate Trust and Openness?

A Lesson from Acts

(This is from a series of teachings on Plow Creek Church's membership commitments.)

We gathered into four small groups and each looked at one passage.  This is a summary of what was reported from each discussion.

Acts 2:41-47	Acts 6.1-7	Acts 13.1-2	Acts 15.22-28
Accepted the message of repentance and salvation	prayer!	worshiping and praying	sent by the church
Together daily	Powerless were given power	fasting together	the whole church
Eating together	Didn't ignore problem	Holy Spirit spoke	trusted leaders
Devoted themselves to the Apostle's teaching	Decision not rushed	They listened and agreed it was H.S.	openness by leaders
Sharing indicates commitment	Spirit filled was a criterion	Confirmed by more fasting and prayer	giving trust
Commonly witnessing miracles (the work of God)	United leadership	Prophets and teachers included in church	much discussion
Glad and humble hearts	Deliberate gathering the people	Don't hesitate to do God's work.	Seemed good to the Holy Spirit
Went to the temple daily	Proposal pleased the whole group		Emissaries were well received.
Had a lot in common	Blessing of the leaders
Holy Spirit	The word of God
Importance of strong leaders	Knowing everyone's gifts and role in the church

What can we apply at Plow  Creek?

• Listen to the Holy Spirit
• More time together
• Fasting and prayer
• worship
• Whole body being involved
• importance of leadership