The Church's Purpose

 The Church serves as the hands and feet of Christ in the world. It seeks to accomplish that mission through a three-pronged approach that reaches up, in, and out. 

First, the body of Christ reaches up through its worship of God.  Believers' worship is a response of trust in Him as well as an expression of gratitude for what Christ has done for them. (Ephes. 1:11-12). Worship is a daily, year-round offering made to Christ who present themselves to Him for His service.

Second, the church's purpose reaches in through its effort in the area of personal discipleship. Believers are called to be shaped in the likeness of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:29) and to become "perfect in Christ"(Col. 1:28). 

Christians have a responsibility to "grow in grace and the knowledge" of Christ (2 Pet. 3:18). The Church promotes spiritual growth through relationships and solid doctrinal teaching.

Third, church reaches out through evangelism,  sharing Jesus Christ with those who still need to know the love of Christ. Before Jesus left earth, He gave His disciples the promise of His authourity and His presence (Matt. 28:18-20).

These two elements empower believers to continue the work of making disciples of Jesus Christ around the world until the end of the age.