Definition of ADN
A network of people committed to growing every way into Christ
A new yet old way of “doing church”
- New for the modern world.
- But it’s actually old–dating from the New Testament and into the 2nd century
Rusticus the prefect said, “Where do you assemble?” Justin said, “Where each one chooses and can: for do you fancy that we all meet in the very same place? Not so; because the God of the Christians is not circumscribed by place …” Rusticus the prefect said, “Tell me where you assemble, or into what place do you collect your followers?” Justin said, “I live above one Martinus, at the Timiotinian Bath … I am unaware of any other meeting than his.” (Martyrdom of Justin, 2; see also Clementine Recognitions 10:71)
Impetus: Why Needed
Discipleship is too big to be secondary
- The model of corporate church does this, simply by crowding it out.
- Just learning the Bible is a huge undertaking.
- Not to mention learning relational skills, crisis intervention, practical ministry know-how, international missions, life disciplines and more.
Technology has changed everything
- The printing press broke the Catholic Church’s monopoly on information
- The Internet, and now AI, now brings full access to everyone
- Countless resources for learning the Bible etc.
- Double-edged sword. Information includes “arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God” of every type. (2 Cor. 10:5)
- The linear approach of sermons, small groups and classes simply can’t cover everything. A parallel, individualized approach is needed.
