The Jerusalem church's measure of love

For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page, which includes Schock's current Living by the Word column as well as past magazine and blog content. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.

This week’s short passage from Acts gives a snapshot of the Christian community in Jerusalem, including a list of essential practices. A few questions:

• • Most of these basic practices are familiar to most Christian churches today, but a congregation tends to have particular practices that anchor its ministry. What are the key practices for your community?