Neil Cole gave us biblical teaching on the DNA of the church even though he admitted that naturally the term DNA is not used in the Bible. The reality of the DNA is actually used many times by Jesus when he speaks of the seeds being planted in the soil and so many times describes the organic nature of Kingdom of God.

D – Divine Truth – God is revealing who he is and who we are.

N – Nurturing relationships – building family relationships, brothers and sisters loving one another.

A – Apostolic mission – being sent to the world and given a work to do. The church is a sent agency and not a sending agency.

While Jesus naturally didn’t use the term DNA he actually spoke of it. D = the greatest commandment: Love God above everything else. N = the second greatest commandment: Love your neighbour as yourself. A = the great commission.

We must not add anything or distract anything from the DNA. We must not separate the DNA because everything in the DNA belongs together. D = the presence of Jesus. N = people as family. A = fulfilling the mission.

Neil Cole’s definition of the church: 

The presence of Jesus among his people called out as a spiritual family to fulfil his mission on this earth.