The Mission and Work of the Church Lesson 14: The Mission and Work of the Church

The Mission and Work of the Church The Church of Christ Has a Glorious Purpose! The church is made up of those who have been saved from their sins by Christ Jesus. All the saved have been banded together in one body, with a unified purpose. The ultimate and glorious purpose of the church is to glorify God, its Creator and Savior! The church has no other and no greater purpose than giving (and being) glory to God!

The Mission and Work of the Church The Church of Christ Has a Glorious Mission! As the church “of Christ,” the church bears the same mission as Christ did. Christ and His church are inseparably connected. The mission of Christ on earth was stated plainly, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). The mission of the church is saving souls! In order to fulfill its purpose of glorifying God, the church must fulfill Christ’s mission!

The Mission and Work of the Church The Church of Christ Has a Glorious Responsibility! In glorifying God and saving souls, the church also bears a responsibility to God’s truth. Paul wrote the following to Timothy: “I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). Calling the church “the pillar and ground of the truth” is powerful: Note the definite article “the” before truth. The church is not just the pillar and ground of “a” truth, but of “the truth”—pure, objective, absolute, singular truth (cf. John 8:32)!

The Mission and Work of the Church The Church of Christ Has a Glorious Work! The church has work to do! Several things make the church’s work a glorious work: It is the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58). It is work that we can and must do together (Phil. 1:27). The Lord equips us to do His work (Heb. 13:21). The Lord works with us as we work for Him (1 Cor. 3:5-9). The Lord works in us as we work for Him (Phil. 2:12-13; Heb. 13:21). God wanted His people to be happy, so He gave them something to do for Him! The work of the Lord ought to bring us a joy and satisfaction unlike anything else on this earth! The Lord’s church has been “created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Eph. 2:10).

The Mission and Work of the Church The Purpose, Mission, Responsibility and Work of the Church Is Carried Out By Local Congregations. It is possible and practical (and Biblical) for congregations to cooperate with one another and collaborate to carry out certain works, including in: The area of evangelism. The area of edification. The area of benevolence. However, the Lord holds individual congregations responsible for how they carry out His work and remain faithful to His cause (Rev. 2-3). The Lord established His church to have autonomous (i.e., independent, self-governing) local congregations.

The Mission and Work of the Church In Its Mission of Saving Souls, the Church of Christ Is Given the Work of Evangelism. The Greek word for “evangelism” comes from the same root as the word “gospel.” “Gospel” means “good news,” and “evangelism” means “bringing good news.” So, evangelism involves preaching, announcing, making known good news. There is good news about sin and about salvation in Jesus Christ! Every accountable person in the world needs the gospel of Christ (Mark 16:15)! The church has been commissioned by Christ Himself.

The Mission and Work of the Church In Its Mission of Saving Souls, the Church of Christ Is Given the Work of Evangelism. In evangelism, the church is to spread the good news. In evangelism, the church is to spread the good news to everyone. The church in the New Testament followed the commission and set an example for us. The work of evangelism is a global and local operation. The Lord’s church is solely responsible for taking the gospel to the lost world! It is critical that we understand the urgency of the task and our own accountability. The church’s work in evangelism must be focused on saving souls.

The Mission and Work of the Church In Its Mission of Saving Souls, the Church of Christ Is Given the Work of Edification. “Edification” has to do with building up and promoting growth (spiritual growth). It is essential for every Christian to grow spiritually! In edification, the church is responsible for helping all members to grow. Collectively, the church is edified and edifies one another through a variety of means: Encouraging one another edifies the church. Worshiping together edifies the church. Studying the Bible together edifies the church. Engaging in fellowship together edifies the church.

The Mission and Work of the Church In Its Mission of Saving Souls, the Church of Christ Is Given the Work of Edification. While all brethren in the church need encouragement, Scripture makes special mention of: Those who are younger (Tit. 2:1-8; 1 Tim. 4:12). Those who are older (1 Pet. 5:5; 1 Tim. 5:1-2). Those who are widows and orphans (Jas. 1:27). Those who are new converts (Acts 11:21-24; 14:21-22). Those who are weak in the faith (Rom. 15:1; 1 Thess. 5:14). Those who are discouraged (1 Thess. 5:14; Rom. 12:10-11). Those who are wayward and need to be restored (Jas. 5:19-20; Gal. 6:1).

The Mission and Work of the Church In Its Mission of Saving Souls, the Church of Christ Is Given the Work of Benevolence. “Benevolence” has to do with supplying physical, material and temporal service and help to persons in need. Helping and serving those in need is a command (and an expectation) of God! Helping and serving those in need emulates and serves Christ Himself! Helping and serving those in need was a priority of the early church. Helping and serving those in need is to be done by the church (not just individuals)! Helping and serving those in need includes those inside and outside the church. Helping and serving those in need must focus on souls and getting them to heaven!

The Mission and Work of the Church Conclusion The purpose and work of the church is NOT to: Operate in the political arena or shape public policy. Operate as a community center or social welfare organization. Take the place of the home or the parents in the lives of children. Furnish entertainment or be a recreation center. Compete with other organizations of men. Confuse worshiping every week with actually working for the Lord. Make deposits in the bank and keep a large balance of funds. Focus on the material or non-spiritual needs of members or non- members.

The Mission and Work of the Church Conclusion The purpose and work of the church IS to: Glorify God and manifest His wisdom. Fulfill Christ’s mission to save souls. Stand firm as the pillar and ground of the truth. Labor for God and with God in carrying out His work on this earth through: Evangelism. Edification. Benevolence. Focus on souls and leading them to heaven.

The Mission and Work of the Church Conclusion The church must have authority for all that it does in the work of the Lord. The mission and work of the church is great and glorious because the God we serve is Himself great and glorious! The work of the church is a much greater work than any human organization! The work of the church is of divine origin and purpose! The work of the church is focused on the spiritual and eternal needs of man! The work of the church is designed for one primary purpose: save souls! The work of the church is to work!