Why do churches exist at all? Here are a few reasons:
- Some exist as social clubs. (Who’s who in your town? Find out here!)
- Some exist because of nostalgia. (Grandma and grandpa did, mom and dad did, so we do, too)
- Some exist for self-preservation. (We’ll do anything to get you in the door!)
- Some exist for entertainment. (Concert, anyone?)
The church of Christ exists for none of these reasons. It primarily exists to do one thing: to spread the good news of Jesus Christ the Savior (Mt. 28:18-20). In this, it brings glory to God (Eph. 3:21).
In fulfilling this mission, it is a family (1 Jn. 2:13-14), an army (2 Tim. 2:3-4), a brotherhood (1 Pet. 5:9), a body (Rom. 12:5); a royal priesthood (2 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 1:6).
These are a far cry from a nostalgic, self-preserving, entertaining social club. We do well to keep this in mind. The church is identified by what it does, not who’s a part of it, or where it meets.
The church must constantly fight the influence of the world to be anything more or less than God intended it to be.
Rick Kelley
Prestonsburg, KY
I wouldn’t say the church exists only to spread the good news. I believe the church is more, it is the community of Saints, and I believe having community with one another and to live this live with one another and shaping this world together (ye are the salt of the earth) could be even more genuine than spreading the good news. This will happen from itself when being the beloved community we are to be. Then people will come to s and ask about the joy that is in us, we wouldn’t even have to go out to spread the gospel.
So, yes, I believe the church is much more than a missionary agency, it’s the home to all those who are willing to come, it’s the body of Christ we all share.