Rediscovering the Mission: What Today’s Church Can Learn from the Early Church

Rediscovering the Mission: What Today’s Church Can Learn from the Early Church

The early church was a movement that changed the world. It was vibrant, relational, and deeply focused on its mission: to glorify God and make disciples of all nations. Fast forward to today, and while the church has accomplished much, it has also faced challenges that have shifted its focus in ways that often hinder its original purpose. By comparing the early church to the modern church, we can rediscover the importance of the early church’s mission and explore how today’s church can return to God’s intent.

The Early Church vs. Today’s Church

1. Mission Focus

• Early Church: The early church was singularly focused on fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). They saw themselves as a community on mission, tasked with sharing the Gospel and making disciples. Evangelism and discipleship were woven into the fabric of daily life.

• Today’s Church: While many churches still prioritize evangelism and discipleship, they often compete with administrative tasks, programs, and cultural expectations. The focus can shift to maintaining the institution rather than advancing the mission.

2. Community and Relationships

• Early Church: The early church was a tight-knit community where believers shared their lives, resources, and faith (Acts 2:42-47). Discipleship happened through relationships, as mature believers mentored new ones.

• Today’s Church: Community is often limited to scheduled meetings or events. While programs like small groups aim to foster relationships, they can sometimes lack the depth and integration of the early church’s shared life.

3. Leadership and Empowerment

• Early Church: Leadership was decentralized, and every believer was empowered to participate in ministry. The apostles equipped others to carry out the work, and laypeople played a critical role in spreading the Gospel (Acts 8:4).

• Today’s Church: Leadership is often centralized, with pastors and staff shouldering much of the responsibility. Many congregants see themselves as consumers rather than participants in the mission.

4. Flexibility and Growth

• Early Church: The early church adapted quickly to persecution and growth, using homes and informal gatherings to spread the Gospel. Their flexibility allowed for rapid multiplication.

• Today’s Church: The church today often relies on buildings and formal structures, which can limit adaptability. Growth strategies sometimes focus more on attendance numbers than on disciple-making.

The Importance of the Early Church’s Mission

The early church’s mission was clear: to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and build the Kingdom of God. This mission was not just for a select few but for every believer. The result was explosive growth, a deep sense of community, and transformed lives.

Today’s church can benefit greatly from reclaiming this mission. By focusing on disciple-making and empowering all believers, the church can move beyond maintaining structures and programs to fulfilling its God-given purpose.

Recommendations to Get Back to God’s Intent for the Church

To rediscover and embody the early church’s mission, today’s church must make intentional changes. Here are some key steps:

1. Reframe the Church’s Identity

• Teach and emphasize that the church is not a building but a community of believers united in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27).

• Shift the focus from “bringing people to church” to equipping people to “be the church” in their daily lives.

2. Prioritize Disciple-Making

• Make discipleship the core mission, following Jesus’ model of engaging, equipping, empowering, and entrusting believers.

• Develop pathways for spiritual growth, ensuring that every member has the opportunity to grow and replicate themselves.

3. Foster Relational Community

• Encourage small groups, mentoring relationships, and shared life experiences to deepen community.

• Provide opportunities for believers to serve together, both inside and outside the church, to build bonds and live out their faith.

4. Empower Every Believer

• Train and equip laypeople to take an active role in ministry, whether through mentoring, teaching, or outreach.

• Decentralize leadership, allowing members to lead ministries, small groups, or community initiatives.

5. Adopt a Hybrid Model

A hybrid approach, combining relational discipleship with structured programs, offers a practical way to start moving in the right direction:

• Relationship-Based Methods: Encourage one-on-one mentoring, small groups, and life-on-life discipleship as the foundation of church life.

• Structured Programs: Implement growth tracks, new believer classes, and leadership development programs to provide consistent teaching and scalable solutions for disciple-making.

• Integration: Ensure programs are not ends in themselves but tools to facilitate deeper relationships and spiritual growth.

6. Stay Mission-Focused

• Regularly evaluate the church’s activities to ensure they align with its mission to make disciples and build the Kingdom.

• Teach the congregation to see every aspect of their lives—where they live, work, and play—as part of their mission field.

A Church That Reflects God’s Intent

The early church was a movement of people transformed by Christ and dedicated to making Him known. Today’s church has the opportunity to reclaim this vision by prioritizing disciple-making, fostering community, and empowering believers.

By adopting a hybrid model that blends the relational depth of the early church with the scalable tools of today, the church can move closer to what God intended it to be: not a building or institution, but a vibrant, Spirit-led community on mission to transform the world.

The question for each church today is this: Will we embrace the mission and methods of the early church, or will we settle for less? The choice to engage, equip, empower, and entrust lies in our hands, and through it, the potential to see the Kingdom of God thrive in this generation.

Mastering People Skills

 

Mastering People Skills: A Guide for Newcomers to the Workforce (and a Refresher for Everyone Else)

Entering the workforce is an exciting yet challenging time. You’re stepping into a world where your ability to connect with others can make or break your career. Whether you’re starting out or refreshing your approach, the lessons from Dale Carnegie’s timeless How to Win Friends and Influence People are invaluable.

Here’s a guide to applying Carnegie’s principles, along with a focus on listening, asking meaningful questions, and mastering the art of remembering names—skills that can help you excel in any workplace.

Top 10 Lessons for Building Better Connections

1. Show Genuine Interest in Others

Your colleagues, clients, and supervisors will notice when you care about them as individuals. Asking about their work, interests, or even how their weekend was can go a long way.

2. Smile

A simple smile can set a positive tone. It makes you approachable, builds rapport, and shows you’re open to collaboration.

3. Remember and Use People’s Names

Names are deeply tied to identity. When you remember and use someone’s name, you show respect and care—qualities that stand out in professional relationships.

4. Be a Good Listener

Listening actively, rather than just waiting for your turn to speak, is a powerful way to build trust and understanding.

5. Talk in Terms of the Other Person’s Interests

Focusing on what matters to others—whether it’s their role, a project they’re passionate about, or shared goals—helps foster connection and collaboration.

6. Make Others Feel Important

Acknowledge people’s contributions and talents. Whether it’s a team member or a supervisor, everyone appreciates being valued.

7. Avoid Criticism, Condemnation, or Complaining

Maintaining a positive attitude, even in challenging situations, sets you apart as someone who uplifts the team rather than dragging it down.

8. Admit Your Mistakes

Owning up to errors demonstrates integrity and a willingness to learn. It earns respect and helps you grow professionally.

9. Give Honest and Sincere Appreciation

Recognizing someone’s efforts—whether it’s for meeting a deadline or helping you out—creates goodwill and strengthens relationships.

10. Begin with Praise and Appreciation

Starting with positivity sets a constructive tone. When addressing sensitive topics, beginning with encouragement makes people more receptive.

Listening and Asking Good Questions

While the principles above are timeless, they come alive through your daily interactions. Listening and asking thoughtful questions are two of the most underutilized yet impactful skills in the workplace.

The Power of Listening

Listening isn’t just hearing words; it’s about understanding the person behind them. Here’s how to practice it:

• Be Present: Put away distractions and focus entirely on the speaker.

• Acknowledge and Reflect: Use phrases like “I understand” or paraphrase their point to show you’re engaged.

• Hold Judgment: Let people share without interrupting or jumping to conclusions.

Asking Thoughtful Questions

Questions signal curiosity and create opportunities for meaningful conversation. Try these:

• Open-Ended Questions: Encourage others to elaborate. For example, “What inspired your approach to this project?”

• Follow-Up Questions: Dive deeper based on their answers. For instance, “How did you overcome that challenge?”

• Empathetic Questions: Show care by asking, “How did that experience affect your perspective?”

These skills not only help you build relationships but also show you’re invested in understanding and supporting others.

Mastering the Art of Remembering Names

Remembering names might seem like a small detail, but it has a big impact on professional relationships. Here’s how to make it easier:

• Pay Attention During Introductions: Focus on the person’s name when they introduce themselves. Repeat it back to confirm, like “Nice to meet you, Alex.”

• Use the Name Naturally: Incorporate the name into your conversation, such as “What’s your take on this, Alex?”

• Write It Down: After meeting someone, jot their name and a note about your interaction. This helps you remember them later.

Why These Skills Matter for Your Career

Whether you’re new to the workforce or looking to refine your skills, these principles and techniques can set you apart. Here’s how they translate into success:

• Better Team Dynamics: When you actively listen, ask questions, and show appreciation, you contribute to a positive team environment.

• Stronger Professional Relationships: Remembering names and focusing on others’ interests helps you build trust and rapport, which are critical for career growth.

• Increased Opportunities: People naturally gravitate toward those who make them feel valued, opening doors to mentorships, collaborations, and promotions.

Final Tip: There is a behavioral assessment called DISC - take it. It is a great tool for helping you connect with people. I recommend the company TTI Insights for DISC assessments and have represented them since 1997 as an Associate. 

A Challenge for You

The next time you meet someone new, focus on remembering their name, listening attentively, and asking meaningful questions. These small yet powerful habits can transform your professional relationships.

Whether you’re just starting out or revisiting these timeless principles, putting them into practice will help you create meaningful connections and stand out in any workplace.

Now, go out there and start connecting—one name, one conversation, and one genuine interaction at a time!

About the Author

With over 40 years of experience in sales, leadership, and mentoring, I’ve lived and practiced the principles outlined in Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People. From connecting with clients to building lasting professional relationships, I’ve found these timeless lessons to be foundational in my career and personal growth. Whether you’re entering the workforce or revisiting these skills, I hope this blog inspires you to embrace the power of genuine connection.