What is the purpose of the church? | GotQuestions.org

The Church as a Devoted Community in Acts 2:42

What is the purpose of the church? Acts 2, 42 could be considered a purpose statement for the church. They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.

According to this verse, the purposes, activities of the church should be 1. Teaching biblical doctrine, 2. Providing a place of fellowship for believers, 3. Observing the Lord's Supper, and 4. Praying.

Teaching Biblical Doctrine and Guarding the Faith

The church is to teach biblical doctrine so we can be grounded in our faith. Ephesians 4, 14 tells us, Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching, and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.

The church is to be a place of fellowship, where Christians can be devoted to one another, honor one another, instruct one another, be kind and compassionate to one another, encourage one another, and most importantly, love one another.

The Lord's Supper, Prayer, and the Church's Public Witness

The church is to be a place where believers can observe the Lord's Supper, remembering Christ's death and shed blood on our behalf. The concept of breaking bread also carries the idea of having meals together.

This is another example of the church promoting fellowship. The final purpose of the church, according to Acts 2 .42, is prayer. The church is to be a place that promotes prayer, teaches prayer, and practices prayer.

Philippians 4, 6 -7 encourages us, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Another commission given to the church is proclaiming the Gospel of Salvation through Jesus Christ. The church is called to be faithful in sharing the Gospel through word and deed. The church is to be a lighthouse in the community, pointing people toward our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The church is to both promote the Gospel and prepare its members to proclaim the Gospel. Some final purposes of the church are given in James 1 .27. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this, to look after orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Ministering to Those in Need and Living as the Body of Christ

The church is to be about the business of ministering to those in need. This includes not only sharing the Gospel, but also providing for any physical needs, food, clothing, shelter, as necessary and appropriate.

The church is also to equip believers in Christ with the tools they need to overcome sin and remain free from the pollution of the world. This is done by Biblical teaching and Christian fellowship. So, what is the purpose of the church?

Paul gave an excellent illustration to the believers in Corinth. The church is God's hands, mouth and feet in this world, the body of Christ. We are to be doing the things that Jesus Christ would do if he were here physically on the earth.

The church is to be Christian, Christ-like, and Christ-following. Got questions? The Bible has answers, and we'll help you find them.