The Purpose of Church Part I: What is It?

March 10, 2005 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)

In preparation for our Friday dinner and discussion group, The Ambassador’s Table, I’m blogging tonight on the purpose of Church. Before describing what the function or purpose of church is, I think we need to define what church is.

Church is sometimes divided into two categories: the visible church and the invisible church. The visible church typically refers to our local church communities, while the invisible church refers to the global body of believers who are God’s elect. Much of what is said about church refers to both forms.

The church is the body of Christ. It is the people called of God and incorporated into Christ’s body (figuratively, John 15:5). We are one body in Christ (Romans 12:5, 1 Cor. 12:27) and we participate in Christ’s body (1 Cor 10:16). Christ is also the head of the church (Eph 1:22).

The church is the bride of Christ. In Mark 2:18-20 Jesus speaks of himself as the bridegroom. The wedding is mentioned in Rev 19:7, and elsewhere the quality of the bride is described. Eph 5:27 “So that he might present the church to himself the splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” Rev. 21:2 says the bride will be beautifully dressed.

The church is the building of God. Eph. 2:20 tells us the apostles and prophets are the foundation of the church while Christ is the cornerstone (see also 1 Cor. 3:11). This building becomes a holy temple, a dwelling place for the Lord (Eph 2:21-22). We become the living stones of the temple (1 Peter 2:4,5).

The church is the family of God. Romans 8:14-17 tells us we are children of God, heirs of God and heirs with Christ. The church is directly identified as the household in 1 Tim. 3:15.

The church is the flock of God. Christ is the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4) the Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20) and Overseer of our souls (1 Pet. 2:25). We are counted as His flock (1 Pet. 5:1-3) for whom the Good shepherd laid down His live (John 10:11).

Related posts:

1. The Purpose of Church Part II: What is it for?
2. Book Review: Rick Warren and the Purpose that Drives Him by Richard Abanes
3. Book Review: Deceived on Purpose by Warren Smith
4. Is Church for Non-Believers?
5. Is Church Necessary?
6. Rick Warren and the Purpose-Driven Controversy

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