clementsfamilyministry.com

THE PECULIARITY OF THE CHURCH

The work of the church is a by-product of its mission. Mission relates to the ultimate objective and intention of its existence. There is some diversity of opinion when it comes to mission. For example, the Reconstructionists insist that the Church, as a microcosm of an alternative society, is called to transform the world into a Christianized society. This is done by the subjection of the existing sociopolitical structures to Old Testament Law and an organized intolerance to all non-Christian religious systems. All leaders in the spheres of politics, economics, education, science, commerce, entertainment, and athletics are to be Christians. The Pentecostals, on the other hand, take a different view of the world and stress individual salvation and preparation for an eternal estate as primary to cultural re-engineering. And of course there are different views of the mission imperative taken by other groups. In essence, there is a lack of consistency regarding the mission.

Nevertheless, the by-product of salvation includes healing, deliverance, and the administration of miracles, signs, wonders, and mighty deeds of the Spirit. In essence, the work of the church is the demonstration of Holy Spirit confirming that the mission is being accomplished. The ultimate mission is not the signs, wonders, miracles, nor even soul winning, church planting, or church growth. The ultimate mission, in additions to regeneration and redemption, is the restructuring of all things so that God is all in all. In essence, there is to be the ultimate restructuring of all the systems and organizations of this world to Divine standards. Therefore, the Church must demonstrate the fact of Divine involvement in human affairs; the revelation of Divine purposes and priorities; and the strategies for human response. The culmination of all things occurs at the Second Coming of the Lord. But in the meantime, the Church, as a witnessing and demonstrating community, reveals standards and models of this righteous plan. It must proclaim the ideal while ministering to the exception.

It must be understood that deeds of benevolence toward the poor, needy, imprisoned, and under privileged are equally handled by government organization quite effectively. The advancement of medical science has made recovery from physical and psychological diseases and disorders a reality. Educational institutions provide a broad spectrum of knowledge and information. Entertainment industry is most capable of providing its products and displays with great extravagance. So it must be clear that healing, deliverance, entertainment, benevolence, and education are not the primary works of the church. The primary work of the church is set forth by its distinctiveness.

So, what is distinctive about the Church? What does the Church provide that no other institution or human organization can offer? Contained within the answers to these question rest a possible solution to the diversity of opinions regarding the Church’s mission. Consider the fact, that only the Church can preach the gospel with credibility. Only the Church can forgive sins, justify the sinner, and grant redemption. Only the Church can prevail against the “gates of Hell” and administer deliverance from all the works of Satan. Only the Church can give communion. Only the Church can offer the promise of eternal life. Only the Church can instruct in spiritual things. Only the Church is validated by the manifestation of the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit and by gift ministries. These are distinctions only shared by the redeemed community called the Church. No governmental, political, or social organization can perform these tasks.