We can understand the mission of our church in terms of ministry to God,
ministry to believers, and ministry to the world.
1. Ministry to God: To Worship and Glorify Him
Worship in the church is not merely a preparation for something else: it is in itself fulfilling the major purpose of the church in offering our worship to God. We further express our spiritual worship by npresenting ourselves to God as living sacrifices, seeking to glorify him in our daily lives.
2. Ministry to Believers: To Nurture Believers to Maturity in Christ
We seek to nurture those who are already believers and build them up to maturity in the faith. Paul said that his own goal was not simply to bring people to initial saving faith but to “present everyone mature in Christ” (Col. 1:28). God gave the church gifted persons to “equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:12–13)
3. Ministry to the World
To carry out Evangelism, Mercy and Uphold the Truth
The evangelistic work of declaring the gospel is the primary ministry that the church has toward the world. Yet accompanying the work of evangelism is also a ministry of mercy, one that includes caring for the poor and needy in the name of the Lord. Although the emphasis of the New Testament is on giving material help to those who are part of the church, we should also help unbelievers even if they do not respond with gratitude or acceptance of the gospel message. The scriptures encourage
us to carry out deeds of kindness, and to pray for healing and other needs, in the lives of unbelievers as well as believers.
In 1 Tim 3:15, Paul describes the church as a pillar and buttress of truth. We strive to uphold the truth by faithfully handling the scripture in evangelism and discipleship. At times, our mission to the world may also include participation in civil society and to advocate a position that is more consistent with biblical moral principles. In areas where there is systematic injustice manifested in the treatment of the poor and marginalized, the church should also pray —as it has opportunity—and speak against such injustice.