Rethinking the Church’s Mission
In recent years, evangelical churches have become increasingly passionate about addressing the world’s needs, from poverty and famine to human trafficking and genocide. This trend has led to a renewed focus on social justice, mercy ministry, and missions. However, with so many possibilities for service, it can be overwhelming to determine what the church’s mission should be.
Defining the Church’s Mission
Authors Kevin DeYoung and Greg Gilbert tackle this question in their book, “What is the Mission of the Church?” They argue that the church’s mission is not just about doing good works or promoting social justice, but about fulfilling a specific task given by God. “Mission” comes from the Latin word “send,” and the church’s mission is to proclaim the gospel and make disciples.
The Danger of Misdefining the Church’s Mission
DeYoung and Gilbert warn against misdefining the church’s mission by equating it with God’s mission. While God’s mission is broad and encompasses all of His work in the world, the church’s mission is specific and focused on proclaiming the gospel and making disciples. If the church tries to take on God’s entire mission, it can become overwhelmed and lose its focus.
Prioritizing the Church’s Mission
With limited resources and numerous good causes to support, church leaders must prioritize their efforts. DeYoung and Gilbert emphasize the importance of having a clear sense of the church’s mission, which helps leaders make difficult decisions about where to allocate resources.
Motivating Good Works
While the Bible provides many motivations for good works, DeYoung and Gilbert caution against misunderstanding these motivations. Good works should be done out of love for God and neighbor, and as a natural fruit of a life transformed by God’s grace.
Mercy Ministries and the Church’s Mission
Mercy ministries can be an effective way to further the church’s mission by creating opportunities for people to hear the gospel and see the love of Christ in action. However, DeYoung and Gilbert also warn against overselling the importance of mercy ministries, which can lead to burnout and misplaced guilt.
A Balanced Approach
Ultimately, the church’s mission requires a balanced approach that combines a clear understanding of its purpose with a passion for serving others. By prioritizing the proclamation of the gospel and making disciples, while also engaging in mercy ministries and other forms of service, the church can fulfill its mission and bring glory to God.
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