Chuck Ryor

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35

For the next few months at Sunday Night Prism Team Dinner (and on ChuckRyor.com) we’ll feature a training series on Prism Church’s methodology for our church’s development.  The goal is to explain how Prism will evolve into a fully functioning church community.

Our aim at Prism Church is to build a genuine, God-honoring and Christ-loving Community.  These Christ followers should be the embodiment of Christ in our city as we Gather, Worship and Serve both the cities we live in, the believers in our fellowship and other parts of Christ’s kingdom around the world.

To that end, beginning in October, 2010, we will have three ways for people to connect with others at Prism:  Worship Community, Mission Community and our Online Community.  In this entry, we’ll give an overview of these three types of community.  In the next weeks we’ll spell out more of the philosophy associated with this church paradigm.

I tend to see things in structures and paradigms.  Ever since the vision for Prism Church was birthed in me, the triangle in our logo has presented a myriad of opportunities for me to explain what I believe God wants to do in our church.   I am not the first person to use triangles in this way.  Theologians John Frame and Vern Poythress have developed the concept of “Tri-Perspectivalism” to a seminary level course.  I won’t take it that far.

Simply stated, you’ll understand the scope of Prism Church’s ministry through the triangle of Worship Community, Mission Community and Online Community.

Worship Community will meet on Sundays and feature our time of worship, communion, baptisms and a message from our Teaching Pastor.  As well, Prism will offer learning seminars before and after the worship service.  Our children’s nursery and pre-church Kindergarten through 5th grade classes will enable our kids to learn the gospel at an age appropriate level.

Mission Community is where people will get an opportunity to really know and love others at Prism.  Arranged by the areas where people live, Mission Communities will be how Prism Church does everything but Sunday worship and studies.  Caring for one another, mercy ministry to those in our neighborhoods, large group fellowship gatherings, and mission trips will all be done in and through our Prism Mission Communities.

Online Community is how those in our metropolitan area will stay connected with others from the larger Prism family.  As well, Prism Church will offer audio and video resources: sermons, announcements, audio and written blogs, and other online resources to assist you in growing in your faith.  Our multi-media ministry will offer low cost iPods and free training so all of Prism’s people will be able to access our online resources.

Next we’ll take a more comprehensive look at what Worship Community will entail at Prism Church.