Mathew 28:18-20 could be considered the ‘job description’ for the Church:
“……Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” These words should be an inspiration and guide to our lives. It shouldn’t just be something our Church quotes a lot. According to this verse, the reason for the existence of the Church should be, teaching biblical doctrine and providing a place of fellowship for believers to grow as disciples.
The Church therefore, 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 and honour one another, instruct one another, be kind and compassionate to one another, encourage one another and most importantly, love one another.
The Church should also be a place where believers can proclaim the gospel
of salvation through Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8). The Church is called to be faithful in sharing the gospel through word and deed. The Church is to be a “light- house” in the community, pointing people toward our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ including taking care of the needy as a means to share the gospel.
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.” 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 physical needs (food, clothing, shelter) as necessary and appropriate. ‘To go’ means to be intentional to reach out to others. This is contrary to our desire to “chill”, “take it easy,” “settle down,” or “have our own personal time.”
So, why do we exist as 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, 1Corinthians 12:12-27. 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.
For Reflection: How is All Saints’ Cathedral fulfilling its purpose?
How are am I currently participating in this purpose? What more do I need to do in order to be relevant to my call as a member of Christ’s Church?
Rev. Gerald K. Ayebale