“The No-name Universal Church of Jesus Christ”

Welcome to the No-name Universal Church of Jesus Christ- my name for the Antioch church in Acts- considered by many to be the greatest NT church.

“Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus.” Acts 11:19-20

A couple of things to notice here; no church leaders are mentioned, no apostles, no pastors, actually no names at all. Apparently ordinary everyday folks were spreading the Word and moving God’s story forward within their communities, neighborhoods, among their “oikos” (household). The church at Antioch was started by no names. That’s God’s pattern- everyday people proclaiming the gospel and starting churches. God uses the church and it’s imperfect members (us) for His perfect plan. In his book The Case for Antioch Jeff Iorg writes-“Local churches, warts and all, are God’s strategy for advancing His Kingdom.”

 Unknowns, no-names, started the greatest New Testament church. God uses everyday people, led and empowered by the Holy Spirit who spread the good news from person to person. It was natural for new Christ followers to share with others their new-found joy; strengthened and empowered by the Spirit everyday people were compelled to tell His Story to their “oikos”- household; their family, servants, friends; wherever they had relationship and influence.

As people moved about their everyday worlds, the Church was established and expanded person to person, neighborhood to neighborhood. People were salt and light right where God scattered them and God grew His church.

If you’re a Christ follower then you’re a member of the “No-name, Universal Church of Jesus Christ.” No-names; everyday, ordinary people; universal-all kinds of people. No names- so, No one can say, “I don’t know enough, I don’t have the experience, or resources; no one would listen to me”.

If God’s pattern is everyday people led and empowered by His Spirit telling His story person to person- then we need to be aware of where He’s placed us and where He has given us relationship and influence; neighbors (chimney to chimney); co-workers (cubicle to cubicle); and classmates- (class to class). That’s what the No-name Universal Church of Jesus Christ does.