As followers of Jesus Christ, it is important that we understand the reasons why God has established the church and what He desires to accomplish through it.
The church is not just a building or a religious institution, it is a community of believers who have been called together by God for a specific purpose.
The Bible is clear about the various purposes of the church, and it is our responsibility to understand and fulfill them. Throughout history, the church has played a vital role in the lives of believers and in the world around us.
It has been a source of hope, love, and compassion, a place of worship, and a beacon of light in a dark world.
And as we dive deeper into the purposes of the church, we will discover how we can be a part of this rich and transformative community.
So, let us open our hearts and minds to God's Word, and allow Him to speak to us about the beautiful and essential purposes of the church.
The Bible has outlined many purposes for the church, ranging from worship to evangelism to global missions. In this post, we will explore the 13 purposes of the church according to the Bible.
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| 9 important purposes of the church |
9 Important Purposes of the Church of God
Worship
The primary purpose of the church is to worship God. This includes singing, praying, reading Scripture, and participating in the sacraments of baptism and communion.
In John 4:23-24, Jesus said, "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
Teaching and Discipleship
Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."
The church is responsible for teaching and discipling believers, helping them to grow in their knowledge and understanding of God and His Word.
Fellowship
Hebrews 10:24-25, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
The church is a community of believers who come together to encourage and support one another. This includes sharing in each other's joys and sorrows, praying for one another, and serving one another.
Evangelism
Mark 16:15, Jesus said, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."
The church is called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world, inviting others to join the family of believers and enter into a relationship with God.
A note on the History of the church: Who are the early church fathers?
Service
Matthew 25:35-36, Jesus said, "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me."
The church is called to serve the world by meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those around them. This includes caring for the poor, sick, and marginalized, and seeking justice and mercy for all people.
James 1:27, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
Unity - maintain the unity of the body
The church is called to be a unified body, with all members working together for the common goal of following Christ and spreading His message to the world.
In Ephesians 4:3-6, the author says, "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Read Also: Upon this rock will I build my church: Who or what exactly is the rock? Peter or Revelation
Equipping the Saints through Preaching and Teaching
The church is responsible for preaching and teaching the Word of God, helping believers to understand the message of the gospel and apply it to their lives.
Scripture teaches that preaching and teaching are essential to the life of the church. The apostle Paul writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Preaching and teaching should be grounded in the Word of God and focused on the message of the gospel. Paul tells Timothy, "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction" (2 Timothy 4:2). The goal of preaching and teaching is not to entertain or impress, but to communicate the truth of God's Word in a way that is clear, compelling, and relevant to the lives of the hearers.
Care for the Sick and Needy
The church is called to care for the sick, the poor, and the needy, showing them the love of Christ through practical acts of service and compassion.
Jesus teaches us that caring for the sick and needy is an essential part of our Christian faith.
Matthew 25, Jesus says that when we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and visit those in prison, we are actually doing these things for Him. He says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40).
The early church took this command seriously, caring for the sick and needy in their communities through acts of service and compassion. The book of Acts describes how the believers "sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need" (Acts 2:45), and how they cared for the widows and orphans among them (Acts 6:1-7).
James tells us that "religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27).
Protection of the Flock
The church is responsible for protecting its members from false teaching and other spiritual dangers, providing a safe and nurturing environment in which believers can grow and thrive.
One of the primary responsibilities of church leaders is to protect the flock from false teaching and other spiritual dangers. Paul warns the elders of the church in Ephesus, "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.
Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.
I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them" (Acts 20:28-30).
Conclusion
The church has nine important purposes according to the Bible. It exists to worship and glorify God, provide teaching and discipleship, foster fellowship and community, engage in evangelism, serve others, promote unity, administer sacraments, uphold accountability and discipline, and participate in intercession and spiritual warfare.
These purposes reflect the divine design for the church and its role in impacting individuals and the world with the love and truth of Christ. As members of the church, we are called to actively fulfill these purposes and be agents of transformation in our communities.