What are the essential functions of church whatever its context? In consideration of these elements, we may distinguish what is, or is not, church. We may validate church in its various forms without depreciating one form versus another. We also may clarify biblical priorities among the various expressions of church.
Essentials (Functions)
Govern
a. Jesus chose the concept of civil governance, ecclesia, a gathering of responsible persons to discern and to declare a decision for the community, to describe how His Kingdom would function (Matthew 16:18-19 and 18:15-20)
- Acknowledging the authority and presence of Christ
- Christ personally and actively directs discernment.
- Christ gives the authority to bind (forbid) and loose (permit)
- He confirms the original mandate to humanity to “rule” (Genesis 1:26-27)
b. Agreement and alignment with purposes in heaven for our world (Matthew 6:10)
c. As co-regent of his eternal authority in the world (Matt 28:18-20; Eph. 1:20-23)
Covenant
a. Even as a marriage covenant forms a foundation of a human family, so the covenant of Christ is the foundation of a spiritual family based upon God’s promises. (II Peter 1:2-4)
b. Jesus established a covenant with and for His followers in Himself (Mt 26:26-29)
- Baptism is outward evidence of a new birth into His Body and the Church (I Corinthians 12:13)
- Celebrating regularly, with thanksgiving, the Eucharist of His body and blood honors His provision of forgiveness (I Cor 11:23-26)
c. The Holy Spirit activates the grace of Christ for believers in relationships as they are sanctified through His new commandment (John 13:34-35)
d. As parents govern a human family, Christ establishes leaders to govern his spiritual family (I Timothy 3:1-7)
Assemble
a. Around Jesus (Matthew 18.20; I Corinthians 10.16-17)
b. Gathering for discernment, with multiple witnesses (Matthew 18:16)
c. Fitting together as spiritually gifted members one of another governed by Christ through appointed leadership (I Corinthians 12:12, 27; Hebrews 13:7, 17)
d. Wisdom of God made known to principalities and powers (Eph 2:19-22; 3:10)
e. Collective community for:
- Worship (John 4:23-24; Hebrews 13:15-16)
- Mutual support (Acts 2:42-47)
- Response to the Word of God (II Timothy 3:16-17)
Embody
a. Christ (John 17.17-19; Romans 12.5; I Corinthians 12.27)
b. The Truth as the Church of the living God (I Tim. 3.15)
c. Demonstrate love for God and for one another (Matthew 22:37-40)
d. Bear witness to the gospel of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 24:14)
e. Bear witness to the gospel of redemption (I Corinthians 1:18-21, 26-30)
f. Make disciples in every ethnos culturally and geographically (Matthew 28:18-20)
Expressions (Forms)
Identity-based expressions where the essential functions are practiced consistently
a. A local congregation, also called a local church [micro, house, community, multi-campus, mega] (Romans 16:16, 23; I Corinthians 16:19)
b. A regional church, the collective believers with a geopolitical context [for example, a city] functioning as such (I Corinthians 16:1; Titus 1:5)
c. The universal church, comprised of all believers globally (I Corinthians 16:19)
d. The eternal church, comprised of all believers of all times, past into the future (Hebrews 12:22-24; Revelation 7:9-10)
Action-based expressions that conduct missional aspects of the church while not fully embodying all the functions
a. Organizations focused on a particular cause and service, also called a parachurch; the need is typically one that most local congregations may not have the capacity to fulfill alone (Acts 6:1-9)
b. Organizations in the cultural marketplace dedicated by and with followers of Christ for godly purposes [education, business, arts, etc.] (Matthew 28:18-20)
