What is the Purpose of the Church?

The purpose of the church, according to Christian doctrine and supported by various Bible verses, encompasses several key aspects, primarily centered around worship, community, instruction, and mission. The church is seen as the body of Christ, a community of believers who gather to worship God, support one another in faith, teach and uphold the teachings of Christianity, and reach out to the world with the message of Jesus Christ.

Bible Verses that Reflect the Purpose of the Church:

1. Worship and Glorification of God:

• 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
• Ephesians 3:21 (ESV): “To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

1. Community and Fellowship:

• Acts 2:42 (ESV): “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
• Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

1. Instruction in Faith and Discipleship:

• Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

1. Mission and Evangelism:

• Acts 1:8 (ESV): “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
• Matthew 5:16 (ESV): “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Three Main Takeaways on the Purpose of the Church:

1. The Church is God’s Instrument for Worship: At its core, the church exists to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Through worship, prayer, and the sacraments, believers come together to express their adoration and submission to God’s sovereignty.
2. Community and Mutual Edification: The church provides a community where believers can grow in faith, encourage one another, bear each other’s burdens, and build one another up in love and good works.
3. Commissioned for Mission: The church is called to be the light of the world, tasked with spreading the Gospel and making disciples. It serves not only as a beacon of hope for believers but also as a mission center to reach out to the unsaved, demonstrating Christ’s love through service and evangelism.