All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Acts 4:32-35
“Another vision of Count Zinzendorf’s was that of the restoration of Apostolic community. He labored to establish a community of saints that loved and supported one another through prayer, encouragement and accountability. To a great extent Zinzendorf’s vision became a reality in the small village of Herrnhut. A deep sense of community was maintained through small groups based on common needs and interests, original and unifying hymns and continual prayer meetings. In 1738 John Wesley visited “this happy place” and was so impressed that he commented in his journal. “I would gladly have spent my life here . . . Oh, when shall this Christianity cover the earth as water covers the sea?”
Excerpt from “Count Zinzendorf and the Moravians: Prayer Makes History.”
As I was reading about saints from the region today known as Czech Republic, Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf comes into view as a key player.
This section struck me as the recipe for apostolic community: prayer, encouragement, and accountability. The prayer part implies it’s only possible with God’s help.
The encouragement and accountability pieces help preserve the authenticity and integrity of the community as it grows. And what strikes me is how this links to my visit.
The European Great Commission Collaboration aims to encourage such apostolic community through rallying strategic generosity but a missing piece has been accountability.
This is where GTP can help. Please continue to pray for fruitful meetings with influential national workers from across Europe aiming to follow in the footsteps of Zinzendorf.