Modelling

We affirm the 'law of the Spirit of life' as the operating principle in the emerging shape of the church. It is a law of freedom and a law of love. No man can control it. The new wine, the sovereign presiding presence of the Holy Spirit, will alone determine the shape of the wineskin. This is according to the law of life.

A seed provides the biblical illustration. As the mature plant is as different to the seed so is the mature church as different to the first century church. But as they are dissimilar so are they similar. While the seed does not bear any visible resemblance to the mature plant it contains, in potentiality, the shape of the future, the life principle and the coding to take it to maturity. And so, the divine intent for maturity is present, but not manifest, in the first century church. The seed principles are evident but the ultimate shape of the mature church is not fully revealed.

Therefore, abiding in union with Christ in the Holy Spirit is the key to the emerging shape of the church.

Our modelling is based on observing the 'law of the Spirit of life' operating in three model cities:

• Jerusalem where we see the restoration of David's tabernacle, first principles of the Christian life and community expressed in the rhythm of temple worship and house fellowship . Acts 2:38-47; 4:32-37; 5:12-16; 15:1-21; Heb 6:1-3
• Antioch where we see dynamic elements for the birth of apostolic ministry to the nations (including the division between the modality of the city-church and the sodality of the apostolic work ), citywide plural collegiate leadership, fasting, prayer, ministry to the Lord, prophecy, and the laying on of hands. Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3; 14:4, 14, 26-28
• Ephesus where we see Christ as head of the church which is his body, ascension-gift ministries, partnership between apostles and citywide plural eldership, testing of false apostles, strategy for multiplication and regional impact through the miraculous, and apostolic bases of operation. Acts 19:1-41; 20:18-38; Eph 1:22-23; 4:11-13; Rev 2:1-7

Summary

In summary, 'The Vine' is an emerging relational network of prototype 'simple' churches, transcending the traditional boundaries of secular/sacred, and clergy/laity. It is dedicated to the coming of Christ's kingdom to earth through reformational change in the church.