Purpose

In Acts 2:42-47, we find a wonderful description of the life of the early church - this pattern becomes a great help to us in seeking to uncover the great purposes of the church:

ACTS 2:42-47. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common; and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.


This passage helps illustrate the five purposes of the church:

• DISCIPLESHIP (they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching...)

• FELLOWSHIP (...and fellowship...)

• WORSHIP (...to the breaking of bread and the prayers...)

• SERVICE (...they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all...)

• EVANGELISM (...many wonders and signs...day by day the Lord added to their number...)

Discipleship – helps a church grow deeper

Fellowship – helps a church grow warmer

Worship – helps a church grow stronger

Service – helps a church grow broader

Evangelism – helps a church grow larger


Almost every church has one or two of these purposes that it does pretty well at it. Almost every church has one or two of these that "needs improvement." What do you see in your church?


As I prepared for this message on "Purpose" - a focus on our very reason for being as the church - I thought a lot about the book Rick Warren wrote. He is best known for his book, The Purpose Driven Life, but years before that he wrote a book called The Purpose Driven Church. In that book, he challenged churches and pastors to clarify their purposes, and to look for important functions that may be overlooked. You will enjoy looking over these articles written by Rick Warren, and thinking carefully about some of their insights. Think about your own church as you read these articles. (Warren used a slightly different terminology, substituting the word "ministry" for "service," as one of the five purposes.)

Becoming A Purpose Driven Church

12 Characteristics of A Purpose Driven Church

A Healthy Church Balances the Five Purposes

Balance All Five Purposes For a Healthy Church

What a Purpose Driven Church Is Not


Having thought and prayed about all these things, what is your dream for your church?