So what are the purposes of Church? Why have church? What should we be doing as the church?
I think this list pretty well covers it; but I would list them in a different order. I think some purposes are more basic and form a foundation for the others.
PRAYER: Prayer is foundational. No successful ministry exists without it. It should be the first thing we learn and our most common exercise. After all, it’s the method for our change and the source of our direction.
FELLOWSHIP: I think this is next. We have to learn to “play well” with others and it is by the love for each other that we demonstrate that we are His.
DISCIPLESHIP: Founded on our prayer life and love for each other we desire to grow more like our Savior. If we’re not moving forward, we’re moving back.
MINISTRY: As we grow, we desire to serve. The Lord identifies the gifts among us and puts them to use.
OUTREACH: Our service to each other, grows into a service outside our walls to bring others to Our Lord and into our Fellowship.
WORSHIP: Most churches believe they worship. But worship is a lifestyle and it flows from our prayer, fellowshipship, discipleship, ministry and outreach. As each of these matures so does our worship.
Many try to focus on one of these purposes without a stepped foundational process. But the result is imperfect. God can still use it, but it’s not all it can be. Many churches never get even into prayer or fellowship. There is always so much more with God. Where are you? Do you have a rich and developing prayer life? Do you enjoy the fellowship of believers or do you prefer to be “left alone” in your pew? Are you growing and helping others to grow? How are you ministering and reaching out? Is your worship all it should be?
Step forward and be blessed.
Nick
Be the first to reply