Thanks to Andrew Ormiston for these encouraging words!
"I had an epiphany the other day. I was reading Steve Simms' book about how 'church' has been a mistrans...lation of the Greek 'ekklesia' since the King James Version.
The word 'church' denotes a building, or a place of meeting, even today that's its literal definition. However, 'ekklesia' was a calling out of believers to assemble, and while together, to genuinely listen to the Holy Spirit and respond to his leadership. Where God's will is being done, its there his government is being established.
The biggest difference is that instead of a leader guiding everyone through a program, you have each person released to share what God's put on their heart. The result is a warm, encouraging, spontaneous sharing, and an experience of Christ himself being the head of his body.
The book ('Beyond Church') shared many examples from Christian history, and several denominations, showing what this gathering looked like. I couldn't put it down. I've had this idea for a couple of years, but couldn't quite put it into words. This book finally put it all together for me. Thanks Steve. Blessings."