The early Christians had no church buildings. Because they feared persecution from the Roman rulers, they met secretly in private homes or in underground passages and rooms called catacombs. Christians began building churches in the 300's, when the Roman emperor Constantine the Great ended persecution of the Christians. Since then, most churches have reflected the architecture of their time and region.
During the 300's, the basilica became the most common form of church design. The basilica was originally a large hall built by the Romans for administrative and judicial purposes. Between 1000 and 1500, Christians built numerous majestic and richly decorated cathedrals. Many churches built today combine traditional and modern architectural styles.
- There are many ways that the church can meet you needs
- Members of the early church met weekly to praise, pray, and learn from traveling teachers and prophets, from the local leaders, from the letters of the apostles and from each other.
- Leaders of the local church emerged from the congregation, identified by their character as well as their grasp of the truths of the faith. Those called to a wider itinerant ministry, like Titus and Timothy, were trained on the job, accompanying an apostle or the mature leader on his missions.
- Early meetings of the church were no doubt similar to meetings in the synagogue. Yet there was a new spirit of involvement, as every believer exercised his or her gift to build up others. There was instruction, but far from being formal, the meetings of the church were vital, alive, filled sharing and coring-the very essence of the not-formal approach to teaching and learning in community.
- Perhaps the most important conclusion we can draw from this, is that, in the teaching and learning of faith, we should not rely on formal teaching/learning alone. We do need the disciplined study which formal education provides. But for growth is Christ and in community, we need to communicate our faith in a framework, which nurtures not only the understanding, but also the whole person as well.
- God has given gifts to the church. (1 Corinthians 12:1-11)
- The body of believers are one and interdependent on each other. (1 Corinthians 12:11-27)
- There is an order in the church. (1 Corinthians 12:27-31)
- God has given leaders and offices to the church, along with these leaders and offices; God has given them specific gifts. (Ephesians 4:11-17)
- A final instruction and encouragement, for the followers of Christ. (Ephesians 4:18-32)
“Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together” (Hebrews 10:25) 