Purpose Of The Church

Many churches are gearing up the new church year. In the south, many churches begin their new calendar year in September or October. As you are planning now for the new year, I hope you'll consider asking this question. Why do we exist?

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Ephesians 3:20-21

In Henry and Richard Blackaby’s book, “Flickering Lamps: Christ & His Church,” Blackaby shares of a great experience of what he saw God do in a church he served in Canada.  It’s a great book that I highly recommend for pastors, church leaders, and churches.

The Blackaby’s share three primary purposes for the church.

1. To Glorify God (Ephesians 3:20-21)
2. To Make Disciples (Matt. 28:19-20)
3. To Preserve and Bless Their Communities (Matt. 5:13-16)

“ When local congregations fulfill these purposes they have God’s power, pleasure, and provision at their disposal. When churches forsake God’s purposes, they invite God’s judgement (Rev. 2:5)” pg. 8

He expands on those three, and really had some great words to share backed by scripture too. He then says that in addition to these general purposes, God gives local churches specific assignments or a focus that drives much of what they do.

“The church at Antioch was assigned to extend the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 13:1-3). The church at Jerusalem demonstrated a special concern for meeting the needs of widows and the city’s poor (Acts 4:34-37; 6:1-7). The church at Ephesus was particularly strong in doctrine and exposing false teaching (Rev. 2:2). The church at Philippi felt compelled to invest financially in missionary work (Phil. 4:14-18).”  pg. 12

“At times church members fixate on facility upkeep or doing “business as usual” until they forget why God commissioned them in the first place.” pg. 13

Has your church lost it’s “Why”? I pray that God will show you your “why,” and give you the ability to lead your church to it’s God given mission.

"“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:13-16