The Function of the Church

Some see a building as a church. Some see multi-organizational groups as a church. What comprises the work/function of the local church? The Bible puts forward a clear picture of its work and its focus on a local level. The function of the local church is, simply, Evangelism, Benevolence, and Edification.

Note: Universal Church vs. local church. Similar but distinct functions.

To Teach the Gospel (Evangelism)

The MISSION of the Church. Matt. 28:18-20; Luke 4:43; Acts 10:42-43

Matthew 28:18-20 – Who could argue that this is the mission?

Notice, Jesus did not send them to feed the homeless or to do great miracles. His purpose was to teach.

Luke 4:43 But he said unto them, I must preach the good tidings of the kingdom of God to the other cities also: for therefore was I sent.

(Peter to Cornelius’ Household) - Acts 10:42–43 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

Are we supposed to put food in people’s mouths, or get the gospel in their hearts? What is our priority, considering these passages?

The Apostles carried out this mission.

The authorized function of the early Church. Acts 13:1-3; 2 Cor. 11:8-9; 2 Tim. 2:24

Acts 13:1-3 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

Explicitly, Christians were sent to do this very thing.

2 Corinthians 11:7–9 Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself.

The early Church supported evangelists in the same capacity that they supported Paul. By supporting THEM, they supported the work to be done.

This is NOT just the preacher's job! 2 Timothy 2:24 apt to teach

The evangelist makes this his priority in a special way, but in a sense, everyone should be a part of it.

The cause for which Jesus suffered and died. Luke 24:44-48; Jer. 31:33

Luke 24:44–48 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things.

This is a prophesied and proclaimed destiny for God's People!

Jeremiah 31:33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

To Support the Weak Among Us (Benevolence)

A work that is supported by scripture. Acts 4:32-37; 11:27-30; Rom. 15:25-26

Acts 4:32-37 – The 1st century Church cared for its own

NOTE: This was a special case. Millions had flooded into Jerusalem for the Passover; those from afar who became Christians wanted to listen to more of the Apostles Doctrine in order to become grounded.

Thus, all who could give to the cause of their welfare did so. This communal activity was not and is not expected to be the daily work of the Church, but it demonstrates the giving attitude that Christians must have toward the work of the kingdom.

Acts 11:27-30 – From brethren in Antioch to brethren in Judea

This was not a top-down mandate, but a freewill offering to help needy saints.

Romans 15:25-26 – From brethren in Macedonia to brethren in Jerusalem

Again, this is the will of the brethren there to help others.

A work that is needed. 1 Tim. 3:8-13; 1 Cor. 16:1-2

Deacons prove that there is a need for benevolence in the Church.

Not just financial Benevolence – a complete “ministration”! (1 Timothy 3:8-13)

This is the main stated reason for the “collection” – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 – It is “for the saints”!

A work that is limited. 1 Tim. 5:9-16; Rom. 15:25-26; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8:1-4; Gal. 6:10

Not limited by US, but limited by SCRIPTURE.

1 Timothy 5:9-16 – There must be a NEED, NOT an EXCUSE

EXTREMELY important that the “church not be burdened”

Benevolence is limited to needy saints (Romans 15:25-26; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:1-4)

On an INDIVIDUAL level (according to the context), Christians are to help out EVERYONE, no matter who it is.

Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.

This is the basic cry of all institutional/progressive brethren, however, the context of the passage does not fit their viewpoint.

Acts 5:4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

When we give our money to be used in the work of God, it is not our money anymore. In terms of our perspective, we have NO SAY in how it is to be used. God is the only one who gets to determine that.

To Encourage Each Member (Edification)

Dependent upon the local church's eldership and worship. Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-2; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16

Eldership of the local church is paramount to this “building up”

Acts 20:28 Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood.

1 Peter 5:1–2 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;

Remember, even if there are no elders, the flock must still be fed! That responsibility is upon the shoulders of each member.

The worship of the local church is integral to this “building up”

Ephesians 5:19 speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.

Dependent upon every member! (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Our identity in Jesus gives us the ability to do many different things for our congregation. (11-12)

Find what you are suited for, and GET BUSY!

If you are already doing something, GET BETTER AT IT!

One of the things I love about Golden Springs

Unity will only be achieved by having the right knowledge/doctrine (13)

This is NOT “going along to get along”!

This is striving TOGETHER for a better understanding of the Truth!

This process keeps us from being led away by Satan (14).

Failing to be a part of a congregation LEADS to these dark things!

Pulling together and building each other up helps to protect us from deceit.

All these things come together in the “WHOLE BODY” working together perfectly! (15-16)

1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

Our “building” is done by speaking truth in love. This balance is so needed, yet so rare!