What is the Work of the Church?

When considering the “work” of the church it’s important to note that God does not specifically in one locale of the New Testament reveal that to us. Rather… it requires some study to draw conclusions about what that work is.

Another thing to consider… is there really a difference in the work that individual Christians do (who are the Church) and what the church assembled or gathered does? That’s something to think about.

Let me suggest that the over whelming “work” that the church does is found in Ephesians 3:10…

“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms”

God’s intent for the “work” of the church was to illustrate his wisdom to spiritual beings (in the heavenly places).

That’s it… that’s the work of the church (individually or collectively). Anything else we might consider to be a “work” of the church is just a subset of that overriding work whether it is described as “evangelism, edification or benevolence” as the work of the church is sometimes classically defined.

So how does the church do that?

John 17:20-23…

“…that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one… I in them and you in me… so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me”

God’s intent as revealed here was that the church… individually and collectively would be one with the exact kind of oneness (unity) that Jesus had with God the Father. A oneness based on sacrificial love. Which is the very best evidence to the world that Jesus came from God.

When the world knows that… then the spiritual beings in Heavenly places also know it, God’s wisdom is glorified and the church (individually and collectively) is fulfilling its purpose and completing its work

Once we know what our mission is then we can ask ourselves... what am I doing to promote love and unity at my church? Am I involved or am I sitting on the side lines watching?