If we do not understand why the church exists, we will never recognize the importance of assembling.
Put simply, the purpose of the church is to glorify God and make Him known throughout the world by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; Acts 1:8). We call it “The Great Commission.” This ought to be the church’s greatest concern as it was the last command that the Lord gave before He ascended into heaven (see Acts 1:8-9). All of our time, energy, and resources should be directed to fulfilling this task.
The local church was designed to be the vehicle by which the message is carried to all nations. We often get side tracked by endless programs and activities which work hard at keeping people busy, but rarely offer any significant spiritual substance. Every single event must have a purpose or it is a waste of time.
Evangelism is not limited to pastors or other church leaders. The role of leadership within the church, according to Ephesians 4:11-12, is “To equip the saints for the work of the ministry, for the building up the body of Christ.” In other words, pastors have the responsibility of training other believers (saints) to evangelize, disciple, baptize, and build up the body of Christ.
The church is the training center where spiritual gifts transition from theory to practice. Pastors, like a coaches, work at helping other believers develop their individual gifts and then encourage them to implement them in the most effective way possible. Coaches do not carry or throw the ball themselves, neither do they block or kick field goals. That does not mean that they are lazy or incapable of preforming the tasks themselves. However, they realize that they are most effective on the team by devoting their time and energy to preparing others who are more gifted in those areas reach their full potential.
Every believer has a part in fulfilling the Great Commission. The Lord has given each of us special gifts and abilities with the intention that we would use them to spread the gospel (see Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12). One body is made up of several different members. Every part is important and needs to function correctly in order for the whole body to be healthy. I’m no doctor but it seems pretty logical to me that body parts are only useful when they are attached to the other members. In fact, it’s kind of gross to think of disembodied members. That’s because it isn’t natural. We need each other!
If we do not come together, we will lose these important aspects of the local body, and our efforts to reach the world for Christ will be greatly hindered. Our disposition is supposed to be one of offense, not defense. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church. Satan is not storming the gates of the church, we should be advancing on his territory.
What are your gifts and abilities? How are you using them in your local church to further the cause of Christ? Use what The Lord has given you to accomplish your mission in life and fulfill your purpose. Live unto the One who gave you life (2 Corinthians 5:15). Get involved in your local church!
For more information on world evangelism, visit www.bcwe.org
July 1st, 2011 at 7:55 pm
Great Article! I was just explaining the importance ofthe local chuch in missions to some guys here the other day. Thanks for writing these!
August 26th, 2011 at 8:05 pm
The Lord said He would do His work through the local body but SO many churches are trying to do His work in their own strength and not depending on God. There is a great deal of gifts in the local bodies but we are spending our time during everything else besides what God wants. Many of us are too busy with life and making money to let God use us for His glory. Very good article!