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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
