Church is for the people…
With so much negative talk about the Christian Church, I’ve often wondered how much of it is because some of us have confused or misunderstood the role and/or purpose of the Christian Church.
In this post Covid era, I think it’s great that people have been awakened to the understanding that church is not restricted to a physical location. I also think it’s great that options to worship Christ virtually anywhere have increased. But what I don’t think is great is the disposition some Christ followers have adopted while having this new understanding- neglecting the responsibility of being an active Contributor to the Body of Christ (aka the Christian Church). In my opinion, this has only increased the “Consumer” vs “Contributor” gap experienced in some local bodies of Church.
And although non- exhaustive, here are what I believe are helpful foundational reminders about the role and/or purpose of the Christian Church and our responsibility in it.
The Christian Church is rooted in Old Testament promises to Israel and inaugurated at the Day of Pentecost when the Lord descended the Holy Spirit to indwell all Believers (Acts 2). Following receipt of the Holy Spirit, New Testament Believers devoted themselves to consistent fellowshipping, breaking of bread and attending temple together, while carrying out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19 “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…”).
We are called to do the same.
We must be reminded who is Head of the Christian Church. Contrary to the belief of many, it is not the Pastor, it is Christ (Colossians 1: 18 “And he is the head of the body, the church…”.) The Christian Church is also referred to as the “Body of Christ” metaphorically and relationally speaking. Think about it. This is also why it is important that local Church Leadership continuously seek and surrender to the direction, vision, discernment of Christ at all times, because the Christian Church belongs to Christ alone and we are to reverence and be good stewards of it and the areas we assemble.
The Christian Church is Jesus’s bride (Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her”. This symbolizes His covenant of love, sacrifice, faithfulness and unification as expected in the covenant of marriage. Just as Jesus extends these things to us, we are to extend these to others within the Church body.
The Christian Church is where the Holy Spirit resides and is there to transform and build people up so that ultimately we may serve Him. Soapbox time: This is where I strongly feel a disconnect exists. Many present day Christ followers attend or “do church” for various reasons, but seldomly it is for the correct one. Many are under the false belief they are to attend church to get something from God…to receive a word from God- only….to hear the Choir sing and feel inspired- only…to have an emotional experience- only… to do their normal Sunday routine because it’s just what they’ve always done on Sunday- only…to receive a blessing- only or to gain recognition- only. It’s very one sided and self-centered to think this way because often times, there is no contribution of their God given time, talents, or treasures back to the Lord or the Body of Christ. That is a “Consumer” mentality and reflects spiritual immaturity.
We Christ followers must ensure we have a proper perspective about Christ’s Church and its purpose, as it is important to understanding our core responsibilities as Christ followers and how God unveils His purpose for our lives. This was briefly mentioned through an excerpt shared by my home church’s former Pastor, Pastor Tony Evans: the premier purpose of the church is to legislate the values of God’s kingdom…to take an active role in carrying out God’s agenda… the Church is charged with enacting heaven’s viewpoint… we are to come to church to seek Christ’s agenda- not our own.
And to me that sums it up quite well. We need more Christ followers accepting their responsibility of seeking Christ’s agenda first and being Contributors to the Body of Christ second.
Today, if you are looking to move from “Consumer” to “Contributor” within your local church body, read and pray over these scriptures below and ask God how you can contribute to carrying out His agenda within your local church body..
Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching”.
1Peter 4:10 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”\
Furthermore, if you would like additional prayer or to discuss your reservations about contributing to your local church body with someone, feel free to contact me using the Contact form.
XOXO
K.Knight
