The Church, Its mission and your part to play (Sermon Blog)

The Church: Who We Are and What We Do

When you hear the word "church," what comes to mind? For some, it's a building. For others, it’s an experience—sometimes positive, sometimes not. But what does the Bible say about the church?

Many people today, especially younger generations, have a negative perception of the church. Some see it as outdated or irrelevant. Yet, Jesus gave His life for the church, and understanding its true purpose is crucial for believers. This post will clarify what the church is, who we are as members, and what we are called to do.

Who We Are: The Church in Identity

The church is not a building—it’s a people. Individually and collectively, we form the body of Christ.

Individually: Who Are We?

As believers, we have a God-given identity:

• Children of God – We are adopted into God’s family (1 John 3:2, Galatians 4:7).

• Saints – We are called and sanctified by Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2).

• Sanctified – We are set apart for God's purposes (John 17:17).

• Secure – Our salvation is sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14).

This means that being part of the church isn’t just about attending services—it’s about living as God’s people every day.

Collectively: Who Are We as the Church?

Together, we are:

• A Body – Each of us plays a role in God’s mission (1 Corinthians 12:27).

• A Family – The church is a place of belonging (Ephesians 2:19).

• An Army – We fight spiritual battles with prayer, faith, and truth (Ephesians 6:12).

• Contributors, Not Just Consumers – Church isn’t just about receiving; it’s about serving and giving (Philippians 2:3-4).

What We Do: The Purpose of the Church

The church isn’t just something we attend—it’s something we live. Here are five key purposes of the church:

1. We Gather (Worship & Fellowship)

Coming together strengthens our faith, allows us to worship corporately, and builds community (Hebrews 10:25). Worship is our response to who God is, whether through singing, prayer, or hearing the Word.

2. We Grow (Discipleship)

Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey. We grow by studying the Bible, joining small groups, and developing Christ-like character (2 Peter 3:18). Discipleship moves us from just attending church to actively living out our faith.

3. We Group (Community & Support)

Church is not meant to be experienced alone. Like an AA meeting where honesty and support thrive, the church should be a place of transparency and encouragement (Acts 2:42-47).

4. We Give (Serving & Generosity)

We are called to give our time, talents, and resources. Serving within the church and in the community reflects Christ’s love (Acts 10:38). The church is most powerful when its people live generously.

5. We Go (Evangelism & Outreach)

Jesus’ final command was to "go and make disciples" (Matthew 28:19-20). Evangelism isn’t about standing on street corners with a megaphone—it’s about living a life that points people to Christ and sharing our faith naturally in everyday interactions.

The Mission: Love & Commission

The church’s mission is summarized in two major teachings of Jesus:

• The Great Commandment – Love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-39).

• The Great Commission – Go and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).

These commands remind us that our purpose isn’t just to "go to church" but to be the church.

Conclusion: Be the Church

The church isn’t confined to a Sunday gathering—it’s who we are every day. As we leave our places of worship, we continue to be the church in our workplaces, schools, and communities.

So, are you ready to be the church out there?

Let’s live it. Let’s love well. Let’s go.