The Role of the Local Church

A life on mission begins right now. And essential to this life on mission is the local church because the aim of every form of evangelism, discipleship and missions is not only for people to be saved from hell, but to be saved to be the church, the body of Christ.

What is a Church?

A church is a group of Christians who assemble as an earthly embassy of Christ’s heavenly kingdom to proclaim the good news and commands of Christ the King; to affirm one another as his citizens through the ordinances; and to display God’s own holiness and love through a unified and diverse people in all the world, following the teaching and example of elders.

- From “Rediscover Church”
by Collin Hansen & Jonathan Leeman

Why the Church is Essential to God’s Mission

New Testament Metaphors for the Church

  • The Body of Christ

    Romans 12:4-5
    1 Corinthians 10:17; 12:12, 27
    Ephesians 4:12; 5:23, 30
    Colossians 1:24

  • The Bride of Christ

    Revelation 19:7-8; 21:9
    2 Corinthians 11:12
    Ephesians 5:31-32

  • The Family of God

    2 Corinthians 6:18
    Matthew 12:49-50
    Ephesians 2:19
    Galatians 6:10
    1 Timothy 5:1

  • The Temple of God

    1 Corinthians 3:11, 16-17; 6:19
    1 Peter 2:5-7; 4:17
    Ephesians 2:19-22
    1 Timothy 3:14-15
    Hebrews 3:6

The church is essential to God’s mission.
How do we then live on mission with the church?

  • By commit, I mean that you go through membership and discipleship in the local church and submit yourself under the authority and accountability of that local church.

  • Don’t wait for the next life stage to get involved in your church in different ways. Speak to your pastor today about where your influence is now and what you’re invested in now and invite them as well as other leaders and members of the church to figure out what you can do together as a church.

  • Reciprocate your invitation for the church to get involved by becoming involved in the church yourself.

  • In your own personal evangelism and discipleship, make sure to help people consider the essential role of the local church to grow in faith and in living faithfully to God.

Additional Resources