As far as structure, Jesus left no ‘organisational plans,’ ‘rules’ or overarching ‘model’ of what His church is to look like.  Rather, He left clear instructions and commands of what His followers are to embrace and pursue personally, as well as collectively.

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Following Pentecost, the early church was characterised by a distinct ‘form’ and associated practices as believers were filled with and changed by the Holy Spirit and were subsequently drawn together to live out their new lives ‘in Christ’.

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What then are the characteristics and qualities that are ‘indispensable’ for believers’ lives and are vital for the optimal spiritual and functional health of Jesus’ church?  The following sections outline first, what the Gospels reveal, and second, what is disclosed from a review of Acts and the Epistles.