The Greek word translated as “church” in the New Testament is Ekklesia (ek-klay-see’-ah). The definition of this word is:
an assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting; the whole body of Christians scattered throughout the earth
The definition does not include the building that Christians worship in.
The purpose of the church is defined throughout many Bible verses:
-
- Make disciples (Matt. 28:19-20)
- Restore fellow Christians who have fallen in sin (Gal. 6:1-2)
- Pray for each other (Jam. 5:16)
- Ministering to the needs of others (Jam. 1:27)
- To be the body of Christ – His hands and feet (1 Cor. 12:12-27)
A common phrase in Christianity is, “We are the hands and feet of Jesus”. In other words, Christ has chosen to use us to accomplish His purposes in this world. “Hands and feet” suggest that we are to go and do what Christ would. Jesus’ ministry on this earth was led by the compassion He felt for everyone. If you are the hands and feet of Jesus, then your hearts will be filled with compassion and that will lead you to minister to the people around you.
The ministry of the church is both internal and external. Internal ministry involves the care for those who are Christians. Sometimes, people will ask for help. Other times, they need help but are so overwhelmed by their circumstances that they do not know what or how to ask for help. As the church, you are called to care for each other. That could be simply praying for each other or be a listening ear. Sometimes, you must approach someone and ask what they need. Christians should regularly ask one another, “How can I pray for you today?” But if you ask that, then you must follow through and pray for each other.
Peter sums this up nicely:
Finally, all of you be like-minded [united in spirit], sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted [courteous and compassionate toward each other as members of one household], and humble in spirit; and never return evil for evil or insult for insult [avoid scolding, berating, and any kind of abuse], but on the contrary, give a blessing [pray for one another’s well-being, contentment, and protection]; for you have been called for this very purpose, that you might inherit a blessing [from God that brings well-being, happiness, and protection]. (1 Pet. 3:8-9 AMP)
Christian Musician TobyMac discusses this in his song a lil Church (nobody’s too lost). In this song, he talks about how a person can get so overwhelmed, they just need the church to minister. One of my favorite lines in this song is:
Yeah, the church I need is the hands and feet
Of a God who came to love
As a church, let’s make a commitment to aggressively care for the needs of one another. This is especially true for Christians who have lost their way. Remember, “Nobody’s too lost to get found”.
Click below to watch video:
a lil Church (nobody’s too lost)
For years, I’ve run the fast lane
And my treads are wearin’ thin
Left me on the shoulder, broken and pulled over
Alone in my skin
Some things weren’t my choosin’
Sometimes, I led the charge
Chasin’ dreams, or so it seemed
Down on Fool’s Boulevard
I could use a little church right now
Love to have a little family around
I’ve been feelin’ so overwhelmed
I could use a little church right now
My cup’s about as empty
As this wilderness I’m in
I lost my way with the loss of love
That came to a bitter end
So far from runnin’ over
So close to givin’ in
It’s gonna take the hands that made me
To make me whole again
I could use a little church right now
Love to have a little family around
I’ve been feelin’ so overwhelmed
I could use a little church right now
I can almost hear the choir singin’
Back to when I was a child believin’
That nobody’s too lost to get found
I could use a little church right now
I could use a little church right now
I could use a little church right now
If nobody’s too lost to get found
I could use a little church right now
It’s not about the four walls
Or that steeple up on top
Ain’t talkin’ about them hard pews
Or that torn-up parkin’ lot
It could happen on a dirt road
Or a crowded coffee shop
Yeah, the church I need is the hands and feet
Of a God who came to love
I could use a little church right now
Love to have a little family around
I’ve been feelin’ so overwhelmed
I could use a little church right now
I can almost hear the choir singin’
Back to when I was a child believin’
That nobody’s too lost to get found
I could use a little church right now
I could use a little church right now
I could use a little church right now
If nobody’s too lost to get found
I could use a little church right now
If nobody’s too lost to get found
I could use a little church right now
Todd's Blog 