Dear Bob, I certainly am not Chip, but I have had to come to the same conclusion. Definitions must be given from the Bible as revealed by the Holy Spirit. This does not allow free association with the scripture, but rather mutual submission to our God and King. Jesus reigns in Heaven right now with His Spirit being in us as believers. He calls the shots. Also, the Ephesians 4 “gifts to the church” is a misnomer if the definitions are made through theology. The phrase “apostle and prophets” reflect a body of doctrine in the New Covenant, not perpetual positions filled by living men. Evangelists have a definition also if it is given the context of 1 Corinthians 5:17-21. Therefore, leaders within a gathering of believers that agree to meet on a regular basis are chosen by the Holy Spirit and confirmed by everyone together. In that context, everyone meeting together are ambassadors of Christ and must mutually submit to each other to continue the work of edification, comfort and correction. We care daily for one another and are concerned for each other’s welfare. The dynamic is totally different than organized church religion.

Annisa, walking in the Spirit opens our eyes to see things His way versus the ways of man. Pray for understanding and humbly submit to His truth in your life. Seek the Lord to understand your situation so you can pray appropriately. For example, Ephesians 5 explains the marriage as being reflective of His covenant with us (the church). He cares for us deeply and gave Himself for us to take all our pain and sorrows (Isaiah 53). Your pain and suffering, your marriage and its trouble is also experienced by the Lord as He dealt with old Israel. Peter tells us to join in His sufferings with our own situations as we submit to His counsel of suffering (1 Peter 4). Because He is intimately aware of all our sufferings (Hebrews 4:14-15), Jesus intercedes for us as our High Priest. Therefore, we go before His throne boldly, humbly and with a contrite heart. We submit to Him as He loved Israel (and still does) even though it is rebellious and religiously blind. Pray for your unbelieving husband and live out 1 Timothy 5:14. Be faithful to intercede for him in truth as defined by the Holy Spirit and His Word.

Paula.harries, I do know what you mean about necessary connection. For us (my wife and I), context means everything. I can find a “fellow Christian” as I am shopping or going to the bank. I come back home and share that with my wife (who is wheelchair bound), and we are edified from the fellowship I had with a “brother or sister” I met along the way. The connection was through God’s Spirit together. Also, we will call or get a call from of our spiritual family across the nation and have fellowship with them because we share the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. For us that has replaced the religious meeting and provided the needed support. Otherwise, my wife and I are alone and almost house bound. Our daughter and son-in-law are religious church goers with the context of that being true fellowship. They encourage us to “go to church” while recognizing that we can’t endure a 3 hour meeting. “Come just for Bible study Mom!” “Fine dear. Will you help me to find a wheel chair accessible van to get there?” Our children reply, “I’m just sayin'” “Okay, well, until we can get a van, we can’t get there but maybe we can study together here!” “Sorry Mom and Dad, but our schedule won’t permit.”

In that light, our true fellowship is what God provides “on the fly” with those who are truly interested in sharing that heart in snippits, praying on the fly and showing true care by providing a quick meal every now again. We aren’t connected to a program church, but the Lord watches over us and we endure until He comes or we go to be with Him.

Thank you!

Rereading this text reminded me of certain things; And it is always balm for my heart… Yes for me too like Elle : “I really enjoyed the analogy that if your daughter lives 600 miles away from you doesn’t mean she’s not family.”

P.S. : {I do not know why since my experience in 2008, I can no longer say “my brother” or “my sister”… something is blocking inside me… but somewhere… I consider myself a little sister…}. ?