As we read the New Testament, we can’t help but notice that church has turned into something quite different than what it was when it started. We tend to explain away each individual aspect based on culturally differences over time, or whatever. But is there a theme?

It seems to me that we’ve restructured church to require much less participation by the members. We’ve made church safe. Which means people don’t have to be as vulnerable or open up. If you don’t open up, you can get hurt (so you think) but you also don’t let anything in so you can’t be transformed. Church ends up feeling good in the moment (at best) but disappointing in the long term. This is not anything like the church the apostles started.

I asked ChatGPT how the practices of the church described in Acts and the epistles differ from those of a typical modern day evangelical church. The interesting thing about ChatGPT is that it basically gives you the most popular answer based on reading almost everything we humans have written. So it’s just an unfiltered reflection of what we collectively think. Here are ChatGPT’s first 15 responses, unedited:

1. Baptism: In the early church, baptism was practiced soon after a person professed faith in Jesus Christ. It was typically administered through immersion in water as a symbol of the believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
   • Modern-day evangelical churches may also practice baptism, but the mode of baptism can vary (immersion, pouring, or sprinkling), and it may not be immediately performed after a profession of faith.
     
2. Communion/Lord’s Supper: In the early church, the Lord’s Supper was often celebrated as a communal meal where believers gathered to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. They shared a full meal together, including the bread and the cup, in a fellowship-oriented setting.
   • In many modern evangelical churches, the Lord’s Supper is typically practiced as a symbolic ordinance during a worship service, with participants receiving a small piece of bread and a sip of grape juice.
     
3. Spiritual Gifts: The early church placed a strong emphasis on the exercise and operation of spiritual gifts, such as prophecy, healing, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues. These gifts were seen as manifestations of the Holy Spirit’s work in the community of believers.
   • While some modern evangelical churches still believe in and practice spiritual gifts, there is often a wider range of beliefs and practices regarding the specific gifts and their exercise.
     
4. Church Leadership: In the early church, leadership was typically characterized by a plurality of elders/pastors and a recognition of the apostles’ authority. Decision-making and pastoral responsibilities were shared among the leadership team.
   • Modern evangelical churches often have a hierarchical structure with a single pastor or a small group of pastors overseeing the congregation. The role of apostles is generally not present in the same way it was in the early church.
     
5. Worship Style: The early church focused on simple and participatory worship, often including the singing of hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs. There was a strong sense of congregational involvement and corporate worship.
   • Modern evangelical churches have a wider range of worship styles, incorporating contemporary music, instruments, and multimedia elements. Congregational participation can vary, with a greater emphasis on performance by a worship team or band.
     
6. Church Discipline: The early church practiced church discipline as a means of maintaining purity and holiness within the community of believers. Offenders were confronted and, if necessary, removed from the fellowship until repentance and restoration occurred.
   • Modern evangelical churches still value church discipline but may approach it differently, often focusing on restoration and reconciliation rather than strict exclusion.
     
7. Sharing of Believers’ Possessions: In the early church, believers voluntarily shared their possessions and resources to meet the needs of fellow believers. They practiced a form of communal living, selling their belongings and distributing the proceeds as necessary.
   • Modern evangelical churches generally do not practice communal living or require the selling of possessions, although they often encourage generosity and financial support for those in need through tithes, offerings, and charitable initiatives.
     
8. Meeting in Homes: The early church often met in homes for fellowship, worship, teaching, and the breaking of bread. They emphasized intimate and close-knit gatherings where believers could interact closely with one another.
   • While modern evangelical churches may have small group or home group meetings, the primary weekly worship services typically take place in dedicated church buildings.
     
9. Apostolic Teaching and Authority: The early church had a significant emphasis on the teachings of the apostles and their authority as foundational leaders of the church. They recognized their teachings as inspired by the Holy Spirit.
   • In contrast, modern evangelical churches place a stronger emphasis on individual Bible study, teaching from pastors, and a range of Christian resources, rather than a direct apostolic authority.
     
10. Persecution and Martyrdom: The early church faced persecution and martyrdom for their faith in Jesus Christ. They endured hardships and were often marginalized or oppressed by the broader society.
    • While persecution is still present in some parts of the world today, it is not typically a central aspect of the experience of believers in modern-day evangelical churches in many Western contexts.
      
11. Missionary Zeal: The early church had a strong focus on spreading the Gospel and making disciples both within their local communities and to the ends of the earth. They were passionate about evangelism and church planting.
    • While many modern evangelical churches still prioritize missions and evangelism, there may be differences in the extent and intensity of this focus, with some churches emphasizing local outreach while others prioritize international missions.
      
12. Prayer and Fasting: The early church devoted themselves to prayer and fasting as a regular practice. They sought God’s guidance, interceded for one another, and relied on prayer as a means of spiritual communion.
    • While modern evangelical churches also value prayer, there may be differences in the frequency and emphasis placed on fasting as a spiritual discipline.
      
13. Women’s Roles in Ministry: In the early church, women played active roles in ministry and leadership. They prophesied, served as deacons, and contributed to the growth and edification of the body of believers.
    • Modern evangelical churches may have varying perspectives on women’s roles in ministry, with some churches allowing women to serve in various leadership positions, while others may limit their roles based on differing interpretations of biblical texts.
      
14. Teaching and Discipleship: The early church prioritized teaching and discipleship, with believers devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and nurturing spiritual growth. They placed a strong emphasis on the transmission of knowledge and faith.
    • Modern evangelical churches also value teaching and discipleship, but there may be differences in the methods and structures employed, ranging from formalized educational programs to more informal mentoring relationships.
      
15. Emphasis on the Kingdom of God: The early church often emphasized the present reality and future consummation of the Kingdom of God. They recognized the reign of Christ in their lives and sought to live in accordance with His teachings.
    • While modern evangelical churches also acknowledge the Kingdom of God, there may be varying degrees of emphasis placed on this concept, with some churches focusing more on individual salvation and personal relationship with God.

Next I asked it to contrast New Testament discipleship with modern day Christian leadership development. The same theme emerged.

1. Personal Mentorship: In the New Testament, discipleship was primarily conducted through personal mentorship. Jesus and the apostles invested significant time and effort in building relationships with their disciples, teaching them through direct interaction, and modeling a Christ-like lifestyle. This one-on-one or small-group mentoring approach emphasized the close personal connection between the mentor and the disciple.
   • In contrast, modern-day Christian leadership development often focuses more on structured programs, classes, and conferences that cater to larger groups of people.
     
2. Emphasis on Character Formation: New Testament discipleship placed a strong emphasis on character formation and spiritual growth. Jesus and the apostles prioritized teaching disciples about love, humility, servanthood, self-sacrifice, and other virtues. The focus was on internal transformation and the development of Christ-like character rather than simply acquiring knowledge or skills.
   • In contrast, modern-day leadership development often emphasizes acquiring leadership techniques, management skills, and strategic thinking, with less emphasis on character formation.
     
3. Hands-On Experience and Apprenticeship: Discipleship in the New Testament involved active participation and hands-on experience. Disciples accompanied their mentors, observed their actions, and were given opportunities to apply what they learned in practical ministry settings. For example, Jesus sent out the twelve apostles to preach, heal, and cast out demons (Matthew 10:1-15). Similarly, Paul mentored Timothy and encouraged him to actively engage in ministry (1 Timothy 4:11-16).
   • Modern-day leadership development often includes theoretical instruction and classroom-based learning, with limited opportunities for practical application and apprenticeship.
     
4. Discipleship as a Lifelong Journey: In the New Testament, discipleship was seen as a lifelong journey rather than a short-term program. Disciples were expected to continue growing and maturing in their faith even after their mentors had passed away or moved on. They were encouraged to replicate the same discipleship process with others, creating a chain of ongoing discipleship relationships.
   • Modern-day leadership development often focuses on fixed-length programs or courses with a specific end date, and there may be less emphasis on the ongoing discipleship relationship and the responsibility to reproduce disciples.
     
5. Spiritual Formation as the Foundation: In the New Testament, spiritual formation was considered the foundation of discipleship. Jesus called his disciples to abide in him (John 15:4) and emphasized the importance of prayer, studying the Scriptures, and cultivating a deep relationship with God. The disciples were expected to be transformed by the Holy Spirit and to rely on His guidance and power in their ministry.
   • While modern-day Christian leadership development may also recognize the importance of spiritual formation, it can sometimes place more emphasis on leadership techniques, management skills, and organizational strategies.

Finally I explored the correlation between Christian movements that had a big impact on the world, and actual behavioural change required of their followers.

• Early Church: Followers of the early Christian movement were expected to demonstrate love and unity among themselves, sharing their resources and caring for one another. They were encouraged to be witnesses of the Gospel, boldly proclaiming their faith even in the face of persecution.
  
• Protestant Reformation: The followers of the Protestant Reformation were encouraged to actively engage with Scripture and participate in personal Bible reading and interpretation. They were expected to pursue a personal relationship with God and take responsibility for their faith, rather than relying solely on clergy for spiritual guidance.
  
• Great Awakening: Followers of the Great Awakening were expected to experience personal conversion and engage in heartfelt repentance from sin. They were encouraged to participate in revival meetings, seek spiritual renewal, and actively share their faith with others.
  
• Wesleyan Revival: Wesleyan followers were expected to pursue holiness and love for God and others. They were encouraged to participate in small group accountability through class meetings, where they would confess their sins, share their struggles, and offer support to one another.
  
• Azusa Street Revival: Followers of the Azusa Street Revival were expected to seek and experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit, along with the manifestation of spiritual gifts. They were encouraged to actively engage in worship, prayer, and the exercise of spiritual gifts for the edification of the church.
  
• Welsh Revival: Followers of the Welsh Revival were expected to engage in heartfelt repentance and confession of sins, both privately and publicly. They were encouraged to pursue personal holiness and engage in fervent prayer for revival and transformation.
  
• Student Volunteer Movement: Followers of the Student Volunteer Movement were expected to respond to the call of global missions and commit themselves to long-term overseas missionary service. They were encouraged to prepare themselves academically and spiritually for cross-cultural ministry.
  
• Charismatic Movement: Followers of the Charismatic Movement were expected to seek and experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit and actively engage in the exercise of spiritual gifts. They were encouraged to cultivate a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit and pursue a lifestyle of supernatural empowerment for ministry.
  
• Jesus Movement: Followers of the Jesus Movement were expected to have a radical commitment to Jesus Christ and actively share their faith with others. They were encouraged to embrace a countercultural lifestyle and reject societal norms that contradicted their faith.
  
• Evangelical Revival in Latin America: Followers of the Evangelical Revival in Latin America were expected to prioritize personal conversion and engage in fervent prayer. They were encouraged to actively participate in evangelistic efforts and engage in social justice initiatives, demonstrating compassion for the poor and marginalized.
  
• Chinese House Church Movement: Followers of the Chinese House Church Movement were expected to demonstrate resilience and faithfulness in the face of persecution. They were encouraged to gather in secret house churches, actively participate in discipleship, and support one another amidst challenging circumstances.
  
• Vineyard Movement: Followers of the Vineyard Movement were expected to pursue intimacy with God and actively engage in worship and prayer. They were encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle of dependence on the Holy Spirit and actively participate in the exercise of spiritual gifts.
  
• Alpha Course: Followers of the Alpha Course were encouraged to explore the Christian faith openly and honestly. They were expected to engage in small group discussions, ask questions, and actively seek understanding of the foundational teachings of Christianity.
  
• New Apostolic Reformation: Followers of the New Apostolic Reformation were expected to submit to the authority of apostles and prophets in the church. They were encouraged to engage in spiritual warfare, embrace spiritual gifts, and actively participate in the advancement of God’s kingdom.
  
• Hillsong Movement: Followers of the Hillsong Movement were expected to engage in vibrant and passionate worship, actively participating in corporate worship experiences. They were encouraged to pursue personal encounters with God’s presence and live a lifestyle of worship beyond the church setting.
  
• Seeker-sensitive Movement: Followers of the Seeker-sensitive Movement were expected to prioritize outreach to non-believers and create welcoming environments for them. They were encouraged to engage in authentic relationships, demonstrate love and compassion, and share their faith in a culturally relevant and accessible manner.
  
• Emerging Church Movement: Followers of the Emerging Church Movement were expected to critically engage with culture and rethink traditional church practices. They were encouraged to prioritize community, embrace diverse perspectives, and actively pursue social justice initiatives.
  
• African Independent Churches: Followers of African Independent Churches were expected to integrate indigenous African cultural practices into their Christian faith. They were encouraged to actively participate in spiritual healing, communal support, and embrace the cultural expressions of their faith.
  
• Korean Pentecostal Movement: Followers of the Korean Pentecostal Movement were expected to engage in fervent prayer and spiritual warfare. They were encouraged to actively participate in deliverance ministry, seek healing, and cultivate a lifestyle of spiritual discipline.
  
• New Calvinism: Followers of New Calvinism were expected to engage in intellectual pursuit of theology and doctrinal understanding. They were encouraged to pursue personal holiness, engage in disciplined study of Scripture, and actively participate in cultural transformation through a missional mindset.