early church- church life- #8

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Theme: Church Life

Early Church: 1st- 6th“Christianity Defined”

Leadership & People• Hierarchy

1. Bishop: Teacher (Elder)2. Elders: Council3. Deacons: Deacons

(Servants)4. Laity: Baptized believer5. Catechumen: Seeker

(pre-baptized)

Catechumen• Greek: = “Oral handing down”

– Traditions:• Scripture• Creeds • Teachings (Theology)

• Three years training– Baptized

• Easter or Pentecost• 1st Catacombs • 2nd Basilica

Catechumen• Baptism!

– Trinitarian Formula– New life– Sign grace– Forgiveness – Membership – Some Traditions

• 1 lapse (Major sin) • Excommunicated• Seven Deadly Sins

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BUILDINGVisible Theological

HOUSE CHURCH

ROMAN BASCILICA = Public meeting house

Christian BASCILICA

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THE GOOD SHEPHARD

ICTHUS

“Iesous Christos Theou Huios Soter”(Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior)

Church?• 1st: Local assembly of believers

– Community of all the Saints

• 2nd: Roman Catholic Church– Organized division within Christianity

• 3rd: Building– Used by the community for…

Worship Service• Reading and Teaching of Bible• Singing of Psalm/Hymns• Liturgy: Call and Response• Eucharist!! = Communion/Lord’s Table

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Mission/Ministry• Evangelism• Discipleship• Good works• Theology