2. The nature of the Church The Church of Jesus Christ is a unique entity – both human and divine. The Church of Jesus Christ is a unique entity – both human and divine. The Church contains a transcendent treasure – presence and working of Jesus Christ and the Father through the Holy Spirit. The Church contains a transcendent treasure – presence and working of Jesus Christ and the Father through the Holy Spirit. This spiritual reality is mediated through us. This spiritual reality is mediated through us.

3. The divine and human fused as one in the early Church In Acts we see the two realities, human and divine fused into a unity. In Acts we see the two realities, human and divine fused into a unity. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete. 1 John 1:3-4 (NIV) We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete. 1 John 1:3-4 (NIV)

4. Keeping the divine-human fusion together 1.Danger of over-spiritualization. 2.Danger to so focus on the human that the spiritual dimension, the divine, is neglected or lost.

5. THE FATAL ERROR: NEGLECTING THE WHEEL WITHIN THE WHEEL

6. Regarding the church as being only a human organization Management techniques are God-given tools, available for the church's use. But far more basic are the God-given characteristics of the church itself - its unique nature as the people of God and its unique gift, the Holy Spirit. The fatal error for the church is to employ management techniques as if it were just another human organization in pursuit of human goals. The fatal error is to focus on oiling the organizational wheel, without attention to the wheel within the wheel [the Holy Spirit who] is the basic power source. Richard G Hutcheson, Wheel Within the Wheel: Confronting the Management Crisis of the Pluralistic Church p.155

7. The fatal error – due to our fundamental problem of sin In the Garden of Eden We were friends and co-workers We were friends and co-workers We wanted control We wanted control

8. The fatal error – due to human self-sufficiency In difficult situations confidence may be placed… Not in Christs sufficiency and race Not in Christs sufficiency and race But in our own capabilities and control But in our own capabilities and control

9. The fatal error – due to loving the Bride more than the Bridegroom Memories, traditions and activities take priority Worshipping worship itself Worshipping worship itself Organising for the sake of busyness Organising for the sake of busyness Meeting only for socializing Meeting only for socializing Tradition for traditions sake Tradition for traditions sake

10. The fatal error – due to ignorance of the Holy Spirit A spiritual blind spot Ignorance because nobody has taught us Ignorance because nobody has taught us Often overlooked in ministry training programs Often overlooked in ministry training programs Consequently often omitted from the life of congregations Consequently often omitted from the life of congregations

11. The promise is for you The restoration of Gods purposes begins, not with someone else, but with each of us as individuals Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far offfor all whom the Lord our God will call. Acts 2:38-39