Have you noticed that there’s a link between informality and open communication. The more formal the setting, the more likely people are to be quiet and speak softly or not at all. Contrast this with an informal and relaxed setting in which people are free to interact and chat with each other. This difference can be observed in church meetings. Christianity has some expressions of worship that are outwardly structured and formal yet deeply spiritual, beautiful, and facilitative of inner freedom. It would be the greatest
shame to lose such expressions from the church. But the church also needs her times of informality, friendship, and family. Indeed, these are its social heart or hub and lay at the centre of first church life. Why was the original model of church soeffective? The principal reason for the remarkable impact of the first ekklesia is that it was a cohesive society of family and friends meeting in homes. This home-based culture allowed for intimate gatherings, fostering close-knit communities where believers could best share their lives and faith both with one another, and those outside. Only a society with such strong bonds could develop members united with one another and working together effectively. Divine love was the glue that held this family together, and Divine grace was
the power that took its message to the world.