In my Church (Here, and in Portugal) we use the Didache as our Catechism and Community Rule. It was originally written around the time of the Jerusalem Council (54 CE?), and was included in many ancient Bible Canons as an appendix. It was thought lost until the late 19th Century, when an ancient Greek Copy was found in the East.
Originally it was meant and understood to be the Community Rule for Gentile Nazaraeans (i.e. Christians). Some still hold it to be the remnant of the Letter from the Apostolic Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) sent throughout the Empire in order to correct the falsehoods of the "Judaizing" sect of the "False Brethren" among the Nazaraeans, which later (76 CE) became the Ebionites.
It does hold that only baptized believers can partake of the Qurbana (Eucharist). It does Teach Historic Premillenialism as well as the rules for testing Charismatists (i.e. Prophets), Apostles (i.e. Missionaries) and those seeking to join the local community. It does continue a form of Tithing, which is a percentage of farm products etc. But this is for paying the Community Mebaqqar (i.e. Bishop/ Chief Elder), who teaches and spends his time shepherding the Flock. For the Laborer is worthy of his pay, so it says. It also gives tithes to the Charismatist of the Community (i.e. ha'Navi = The Prophet), if they should have such a proven and spiritually gifted individual.
We follow this Text, even in our Qurbana Liturgy and Fasting. Notice it gives rules on Personal Morality, Community Discipline and Religious Observances. We hold it dear to our hearts and follow it. I myself have translated it into idiomatic English for our Community.
You will notice that even in Apostolic times they had to deal with False Teachers, Preachers and Prophets. They only permitted new members to join their community so long as they were self supporting and self disciplined. Their Mebqaar'im (GK: Episcopoi), Zeqan'im (Gk: Prebyterio) and Shamash'im (Gk: Diakonoi) were nominated by the Community, as are all Nazaraean Synogogue leaders (i.e. Christian Church Clergy) to this day.
This Book is very close to the Pre-Nazaraean Community Rule Book used by some Jewry in Second Temple Judaism, and it shows clearly that Nazaraeans (i.e. Christians) considered themselves New Covenant members of the People of Israel and held to a common Synagogue Community structure, culture and religious life almost identical to their estranged and non believing Jewish brethren, whom they declare in this Book, to be lead by the "Hypocrites" Parush'im (i.e Pharasee Rabbinate).
It is a wonderful book and is the original Community Rule of the Gentile Nazaraean Communities of the Diaspora. It is the first Writing which describes basics of the Nazaraean Community which we can see partially in the Book of Acts and in the Letters of the Apostles. The later writings of Ignatius, Polycarp, Clement, Papias and Irenaeus etc reflect "The Way" and "Teachings" of this Book.
The First Part is a short moral Catechism of Life and Death: The Two Paths.
The Second Part is a short Community Rule on Baptism, Communion, Fast days, Community Structure, Offices and discernment of Apostles, Prophets, Teachers and potential members.
The Third Part is a short Eschatological outline of what is to be expected before Messiah returns, so everyone can maintain a state of preparedness.
In Messiah,
+Kenat'el
