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Habits of the Church

Based on Acts 2:42

Resources for Habits of the Church Series


Series summary: The book of Acts gives us a picture of a church alive with purpose, passion, and power. In Acts 2:42-47, we see six habits that shaped the early believers and fueled their impact: devotion to God’s Word, life-giving fellowship, the breaking of bread, and powerful prayer. These were not occasional activities but consistent rhythms that formed a Spirit-filled community and made the gospel visible to the world. In this series, we’ll discover how these same habits can shape us today into a church that reflects Christ and changes lives.


Habits of the Church: "They were devoted..."


  1. “...to the Apostles’ Teaching...” | Commitment to God's Word and the witness of his people

 

  1. “...and to Fellowship...”  | Life one another in community

 

  1. "...to the Breaking of Bread..." | Table Fellowship, Hospitality

 

  1. "...and to Prayer..." | Communion with God, Intercession for others


  2. "...and to Generosity..." | Sharing with one another, service


  3. “...and to Praise and Witness..." | testifying to the good news through evangelism and worship



Challenge: Explore, adapt and practice the habits modelled by the early church that led them to become like Christ and share him with others.



Weekly Notes related to Sunday Messages


Week 1 — “To the Apostles’ Teaching” 


Apostles' Creed


What to do next:

  • Read the Bible with someone this week! Check out the reading plans and resources at BibleProject

  • Examine your habits and rhythms around Scripture. Explore a more regular way to read and reflect on God's Word. See resources from Practicing the Way on Scripture


Week 2 — “And to Fellowship” 


A small group devoted to fellowship based on the early church:

  • Regularly meets with commitment

  • Shares life with authenticity and vulnerability

  • Grows together (i.e. devotion to the teaching and other habits of the church)

  • Offers support and accountability

What to do next:

  • Ask someone this week if you can explore building an intentional spiritual friendship together

  • Sign up for a Bethel Small Group: here


Week 3 — “To the Breaking of Bread” 


Resources for preparing your family to celebrate the Lord's Supper


What to do next:

  • Share a meal or coffee with someone this week. Invite and plan time with others over food and hospitality.

  • Use your table to share your faith

  • Prepare your heart to celebrate and receive the Lord's Supper on the last Sunday of this month.


Week 4 — “And to Prayer” 



What to do next:

  • Pick a time where you can pray daily

  • Have plan and purpose in your prayer. Consider using an app and resource to guide you

  • Make a list of what you pray about; return to these as often as you can


Week 5  —“And to Generosity” 




What to do next:

  • Examine how you share more of your life with others this month

  • Reflect on how you give weekly and monthly (to church, and to others). Prayerfully consider what you can do to pursue this faithfully and generously

  • Examine how you can be generous in a way that points to Jesus


Week 6 — “And to Praise and Witness"


  • Jesus Film Project blog here.

  • For families with kids, go here to enjoy this video clip from Bible Kids


Additional resources


Digital Resources:


  • Practicing the Way: Free courses on spiritual habits that will be covered throughout the series, in addition to a spiritual reflection survey and Rule of Life Builder.


Recommend Books:



*If you'd like more guidance exploring the Habits of the Church, please reach out to one of our pastors.


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