Unlearning Apathy Toward the Church, Part 2

The Work and Worth of the Church

We’re continuing to look at “unlearning” our apathy toward the church and learning instead to be a suffering servant for the church. This excerpt begins by defining what I mean when I use the word “church.” It’s recommend that you read part 1 HERE before reading this excerpt.

---

What Is a Church?

By God’s mercy I estimate I’ve spoken in about five hundred churches, representing just about every major denomination, geographic location (all fifty states and a bunch of countries), and demographics. Very few are alike, but they are all called “church.” Not every organization that calls itself a church is necessarily a church, however, so for the sake of clarification, let me offer a description. I don’t pretend to be a biblical scholar, so this isn’t the kind of definition you’d get from a theology professor. I’m telling you the assumptions I’m making when I refer to a “church” for the purposes of this chapter.

·      A fellowship of people who regularly gather and are committed to each other as brother and sister in Christ, and who proclaim Jesus as their sovereign Lord and Savior. There are regular meetings and a sense of belonging and commitment.

·      A commitment to obey, listen to, and discuss the Word of God as revealed in the 66 books of the Bible.

·      A connection to and agreement with the historical beliefs of the Christian church in at least its broadest form, such as the Nicene or Apostles Creeds, adhering to the Trinity, Jesus as the only path to salvation, and other historic and core Christian beliefs.

·      A focus around the worship and proclamation of Jesus that invites all generations, all ethnicities, and all socio-economic classes, so that Jesus is the only center of their fellowship. Gathering to golf or knit is a hobby, not a church.

·      There is a connection with the historical church and scripture directives in terms of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. There should also be an emphasis on missions (evangelism/outreach) and giving to the poor, as these are emphasized in Scripture. 

The central theme of the church is worshipping our creator God and participating in his renewal of the world through sending his Son, which was followed by the sending of his Holy Spirit, who empowers us to carry on his work. We gather to make disciples who are eager to obey the commands of Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).