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C02 - Church of Two

Smaller StillThe Transformational Power of Churches of Two

We all know that Jesus called twelve disciples. However, we have missed the fact that he alsocombined them together in pairs. (Matt 10:2-4, Acts 1:13, etc.) No doubt Jesus had in mind the principle that “two are better than one” (Ecc. 4:9-12). For this reason, it seems likely that the first andmost basic expression of church for Jesus was between just two people (Mt. 18:20). To say thisanother way, the Kingdom (the rule and reign of Jesus) is expressed first in a “church of two”. “The basic unit of Kingdom life is a follower of Christ in relationship with another follower of Christ.The micro form of church life is a unit of two or three believers in relationship. This is where we mustbegin to see multiplication occur. Let's face it: if we can't multiply a group of two or three, then weshould forget about multiplying a group of fifteen to twenty.” Neil Cole, Organic ChurchThe “church of two” is a basic building block for all larger expressions of church.

A track to run on

A CO2 (Church of Two) is a powerful context for transformation because it provides both a track torun on and a partner to run with. The two practices that we have chosen as “the track to run on” arerhythms of attention that give priority to listening to the King and noticing His grace in one another.This is in obedience to the instruction in Heb. 3:13 to daily come alongside to encourage oneanother. As human beings, it seems that when we are learning something new (changing our brain) weneed a very clear "track to run on". In simple terms, here's what our CO2 "track" involves ... engagingin two practices with one other person as close to daily as possible. (From this simple starting place, these practices spill over into family life, simple churches, etc.)This is what Paul had in mind when he told Timothy, "Train yourself in godliness... it has value for all things". (1 Tim. 4:6-7) In other words, godly habit patterns are the key to everything. And, thosehabit patterns are the result of engaging in spiritual disciplines. Just like learning to eat healthy. Justlike learning to play tennis. Just like learning to play the piano. You get the picture.

In short, a "church of two" is ...*Two people (see Eccles. 4:9-12)...* Connecting as close to daily as possible (See Heb. 3:13)...*Around two foundational spiritual disciplines (see 1 Tim. 4:7-8).