The Gospel Way Catechismنموونە

QUESTION 24: What Is the Mission of the Church?

ANSWER

The mission of the church is to make disciples of King Jesus by declaring the gospel and displaying its power. The church is not a club, a charity, or a source of prosperity. In the power of the Spirit, we follow and obey King Jesus for the glory of God and the good of the world.

Businesses have mission statements. Politicians have mission statements. Charitable organizations have mission statements. These statements explain why institutions exist, or what drives and motivates the people who take part. The church has a mission also (or as some theologians have said, God’s mission has a church!), and it’s easy for others to conceive of the church’s primary task as falling into the same category as other organizations with mission statements.

Some see the church as just another exclusive group focused on rituals and traditions with little attention to what is taking place in the outside world. It’s true the church is organized with appointed leaders and systems and structures. But this view fails to capture the vibrant, transformative work the church is all about. Unlike clubs with a mission statement, the church is mission. Its impact extends beyond its walls into the world, seeking to bring hope, healing, and reconciliation.

Others see the church as a social action group involved in works of charity. While the church is undoubtedly involved in social action and justice, reducing its involvement with the world to humanitarian work overlooks the core message of the gospel and discipleship. The church lives according to the command of God to “act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8 CSB). This means more than the typical humanitarian effort; this is the expression of compassionate neighbor-love that flows from the gospel of Jesus Christ. The church’s goal is to make disciples who receive the transformative love of God and become agents of change.

More than a few people these days look at the church as a source of personal prosperity. Go to church and God will make you rich! Some see the church as a way to increase status and prosperity by tapping into divine power to grant wealth or fulfillment. This perspective misses the communal and selfless nature of the church. The abundant life promised by Jesus is not a life of wealth and possessions but a life of joy through self-giving love.

What does the church do, then? We make disciples. That means, first and foremost, in the power of the Spirit, we call everyone everywhere to ongoing repentance and faith. We are witnesses to King Jesus, messengers of his kingdom. Second, we demonstrate the power of the gospel in how we live. We are transformed into salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), so the world may taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).

The church exists for the glory of God and the good of the world. We love God and neighbor. We are sent into the world as the Father has sent the Son (John 20:21). As God’s people, we serve the world around us by delivering the gospel message uncompromised, and by living according to the gospel in ways that magnify the God of grace.

Reflection Questions

How do you engage in the church’s mission of making disciples, and what challenges have you faced in this pursuit? Reflect on your involvement in disciple-making and identify any obstacles you’ve encountered. Consider how you can overcome these challenges and more effectively contribute to the church’s mission.

In what ways have you been involved in initiatives that seek the good of your community and the world? How do these efforts align with the church’s mission? Think about your participation in serving the world around you. Assess how these efforts align with the church’s mission and how you can enhance your impact for the glory of God and the good of the world.