God's Community

This teaching stream explores the nature of the ecclesia (church) as a Covenant Community.

Because the triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – are within themselves a covenantal community, and because we are made in his image, the ground for all human community is found in him—we are hardwired for it. Significantly, the Godhead is a relational unity-in-diversity. This demands a re-formation from institutional to relational and denominational to apostolical paradigms of church—a return to ‘apostolic architecture’.

The New Reformation: Its Spirit and Structure (Part 1)

June 25, 2005 by David Orton

... until a time of reformation Hebrews 9:10 Christ's coming triggered a reformation, inaugurating a new order. The letter to the Hebrews is a transitional, and therefore, reformational book. Using both comparison and contrast, it shows the superiority of the new over the old, calling the believing Hebrews into complete transition. With a foot in both camps, they were caught … [Read more...]

A Statement Concerning the City Church

February 18, 2005 by David Orton

Preamble: This tentative statement is merely the expression of one ministry and viewpoint. It is presented as a resource paper for discussion trusting it may assist in the quest for the “city whose builder and maker is God”. It cannot pretend to be definitive, particularly in view of our own limitations, and the fact that the reformation, revival, and restoration of the church … [Read more...]

One Church of the City – The Dwelling of God

December 3, 2004 by David Orton

Do you not discern and understand that you (the whole church at Corinth) are God's temple ... ? 1 Corinthians 3:16 AMP God's purpose has always been to dwell with men. From the beginning of time to its culmination – from Eden to the New Jerusalem – this has been his singular desire. In the Garden, it was God's habit to come down and commune with the first human community, … [Read more...]

Apostolic Strategy: Part 2 of 2

August 17, 2004 by David Orton

"In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers ... " Acts 13:1 Prophets and teachers It would appear prophets and teachers prepare the way for the release of apostles. Through prophetic teaching and declaration a shift occurs in the spirit realm that releases new or higher levels of the apostolic. This kind of teaching is not just the transfer of information. … [Read more...]

Apostolic Strategy: Part 1 of 2