Paul and his co-workers often started off their ministry in a new city by going to the temple or synagogue or seeking out places where people gathered who had an interest in spiritual things. (Acts 13:5, 14; 14:1; 16:13; 17:1-2, 10, 17, 19; 18:2, 4, 7, 19; 19:1, 8 etc) Thus they learned from the start if in fact there were believers in the place and what the needs of the church were.
Do you believe that such an approach is still advisable and profitable today? Why or why not? Response
For example: When folks on a GPP outreach start working in a particular city, do they seek to get to know how long God has had His church in that city and how they can minister to the saints already there or do they purpose to start a church of God as if God did not have a church there before they arrived? Response
I confess that the latter has been my own practice in the past! I also know a number of gatherings in the city of London who would claim that their gathering is the "church of God" in London. They would claim that your gathering or any gathering other than theirs is a "sect" or a denominational gathering. Would you view them as "sects" or "denominations" too? I don't think they would participate in your organized gatherings nor (from what I've read on your web site) do I think you would participate in theirs! Both you and they would claim to have gatherings of the whole church of God in London.
Now, as an observer from outside the city, who wants to be guided by the scriptures, what scriptural marks should identify those who belong to the church of God in London? or in the city where I live? Is the church of God in a city defined by certain activities? Is it defined by relationships to God and other saints? Is it identified by what the saints call themselves? If I truly want to function as God intends as part of the church of God in my city, should I seek to define His church here by activities? (If so which?) Should I seek to define it by relationships? (If so which?) Should I seek to define it by a designation by which believers designate themselves? (If so, which?) Response
How will gatherings of the whole church in London or my city function if they are obedient to scripture? i.e. what principles will guide the behaviour of the saints when the whole church comes together into one place? Do you believe that the instructions of 1 Cor. 14:23-40 are still applicable to such gatherings? Response