Is Church for Non-Believers?

September 14, 2009 Posted by Roger OvertoncloseAuthor: Roger Overton Name: Roger Overton
Email: rogeroverton@hotmail.com
Site: http://ateamblog.com
About: Roger Overton is currently pursuing a Masters degree at Talbot School of Theology. He has addressed various churches, schools and youth camps throughout the United States. Roger was co-editor of The New Media Frontier (Crossway, 2008) and God and Governing (Wipf & Stock, 2009). Roger can be emailed at rogeroverton@hotmail.com.See Authors Posts (559)

As I’ve been reflecting on some of the great conversations that were had at the Christian Web Conference, I’ve been struck by the degree of confusion over what constitutes church and what church is to accomplish. Some believe church can be done online just as well as in person, while others hold that only through physical presence can the full intended expression of church be realized. Some argue that the purpose of church is to evangelize, while others contend the church’s primary responsibility is to its members. I say there’s confusion on these issues because I heard weak arguments for every position, but everyone seemed to hold their own view strongly regardless of the strength of their arguments.

I addressed some of these issues more than four years ago (The Purpose of the Church: What is it? And What is it for?), but obviously much more could and should be said. I’ve recently been helping my church formulate a statement of philosophy for cultural engagement and the issue of “who” church is for is something we’ve sought to state with strength and clarity. Mark Dever’s notes on The Pastor and His Community have been very helpful in formulating our position.

Simply put, we believe that Scripture directs the church to teach, admonish, encourage, discipline, support and care for its own members as its primary responsibility. If we are to answer whether church is for believers or non-believers, we will contend that its primary purpose is for believers. The vast majority of commands for the church as a body have to do with serving within and for the church body.

In caring for physical needs, our primary biblical responsibility is to those within our congregation (Matt 25:34-40; Acts 6:1-6; Gal 6:2, 10; James 2:15-16; 1 John 3:17-18). Though some of these texts are often used to support the notion that the church is called to take responsibility for the well-being of non-Christians around it, they clearly give priority to supporting members of the covenant community. Churches can provide aid to those in the surrounding community through mercy ministries as long as the gospel is not compromised nor its priority diminished, and only after it is clear that all known needs within the congregation that have been met.

It is interesting that the very practice of Christians loving other Christians (i.e. church being primarily about church members) is a form of evangelism. In John 17:20-23 Jesus prays that the world would know the Father sent Him because of the love and unity shown between the disciples. I think it’s fair to suggest that if we focus on evangelism without first prioritizing love among the brethren, our witness will be compromised.

This is one of those occasions where I am especially interested in hearing from readers who disagree with me. If you believe the Bible directs the church to be primarily for non-believers, please provide your case here.

Related posts:

1. Is Church Necessary?
2. “Is the Emergent Church a Threat to the Gospel?” or “Why I’m Concerned”
3. The Purpose of Church Part II: What is it for?
4. Dan Kimball: A Revolution in Church and Teaching (EC BIOLA #1)
5. The Purpose of Church Part I: What is It?
6. The case for church membership

Posted in Emerging / Emergent Church, Roger's Posts, Theology