We began our series, Should You Attend Church?, by simply expressing a desire to understand the purpose, function, and essence of the Church. Last time, we looked at the Purpose of the Church. And so, in this article, we’re going to look at the function of the church.
As I previously mentioned, I grew up in the church. However, I didn’t have a healthy concept of church until later in life. For me, it took time and discipleship to gain that perspective. Thus, what I am going to share here is based upon what I have observed in time, as well as how I have been discipled.
Stephen Covey, in his best seller, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, stated as one of the seven habits that you must begin with the end in mind. The point, in essence, is that one of the principles in being effective in anything is to envision what is your destination before you ever begin. What is the thing or things or concept or idea or principle you desire in the future that will guide your decision(s) in the present? We get this. Practically, it’s beginning a road trip studying the map in order to determine the most effective and best routes, so that you arrive at your destination saving money on gas, wear and tear, and time, etc. Unless we just want a joy ride, we don’t start a long road trip driving on a whim and hoping we end at our final destination by taking random roads.
To that end, the late Howard Hendricks, put together one thought on the function of the church, which Tommy Nelson taught to me, and now I’m sharing with you.
Most churches build their church and function around their lead or senior pastor. In other words, they start by asking the question, “What kind of pastor should we hire to accomplish the function of the church?” Howard, Tommy, and I all believe that this is the right question to ask, but in the wrong order. There are three other questions that must be asked and answered before a church ever hires a pastor to carry out the function(s) of the church. In other words, many churches today find their direction for how the church should function by trying to find a pastor to provide that answer. To be sure, many churches are just thankful to have a pastor. And so, what we will explore here may not fit exactly in every practical scenario. Nevertheless, I would argue that it should be considered.
What are the four questions that should be asked and answered in order to determine the FUNCTION of the church?
- What kind of PERSON is the church trying to cultivate or produce?
- What kind of CHURCH STRUCTURE cultivates this kind of person?
- What kind of LEADERS will cultivate this kind of church?
- What kind of PASTOR cultivates this kind of leadership, cultivates this kind of church, which ultimately produces/cultivates this kind of Christian?
The answers to these four questions are what we call The Power Sweep, and we will explore them here and over the next three installments. This is Denton Bible’s ministry philosophy.
First, “What Kind of PERSON is the Church Trying to Produce?”
- Converted
- This is a person who has placed their life–by grace through faith–in Christ. They are a follower of Christ.
- They know the gospel and can share their testimony–life before Christ and life after Christ.
- Committed
- To God
- They have had a Romans 12:1-2 experience (living sacrifice).
- They are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
- They truly understand what it means to take up the cross and follow Christ. They live for things eternal and not temporal. They view their lives as a conduit of the character of God.
- To His Word
- Everyday they read Bible. In so doing, at least they have a chance in life. Psalm 119:105…the Word of God is their lamp and their light in a dark and evil world. God’s Word is their life and their breath. They value it above all other treasures.
- They accomplish meeting with God through designated quiet times with their Bibles and prayer. They have a fear of God. They obey His commands. They confess when they fail.
- To His People
- They love and support their church.
- They are in community, where they submit to elders, love people, and are authentic in their daily need of grace.
- They value their role as members of a royal priesthood.
- To His Cause
- Preach gospel and make disciples. They follow the life of Christ.
- To God
- Competent
- Know Something–They should be able to explain basic theology… “palm the Bible.” In other words, they have a foundational and working knowledge of biblical theology, systematic theology, etc. If they don’t, then they’re seeking to learn more. This doesn’t lead to pride, but rather to humility.
- Feel Something–They live a life of love, compassion, hating evil, joy, peace, and confidence in God and His plan(s).
- Do Something–They know that everyday they’re teaching: how do you parent, deal with sin, etc? They are able to help folks in various stages of life. They obey God’s Word.
- Creative
- Able to go forth independent and minister–anywhere!
- They can move and leave their local city and still thrive in ministry.
- This creative person is like a Swiss army knife. In other words, they do the work of God wherever you put them. Work, city, home, jail, convenient store, another country, etc.
- Look at Paul and Peter in jail.
- Able to go forth independent and minister–anywhere!
- Compassionate
- They meet needs for others who can’t meet needs for themselves. In other words, this person is gentle (strength under control), and they view their lives (money, time, resources, etc.) as a conduit of God’s compassion.
- They are humble.