Conviction 6 - The Mission of God for the Church

I am sometimes puzzled, not always in a way that honors God, when churches struggle with their mission statement. It’s not like the church needs to figure out its unique niche in God’s plan of salvation. No, God has already written the church’s mission statement. Sure, we need to write it in words that make sense in our unique cultures, but the mission of the church has already been determined by God.

The Mission of the Church

The church exists not only for the glory of God, but for the mission of God. It is the local church that carries out God’s mission. The church exists because of the mission of God, and for the mission of God. We exist to make the mystery of Christ and Him crucified, the mystery that was hidden for ages past, known to the Gentiles. In Ephesians 3 Paul says,

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Ephesians 3:7-11

To Preach the Unsearchable Riches of Christ

None of us are like Paul. But in one sense, we have all been made ministers of this Gospel according to the gift of God’s grace which was given us by the power of God. In one sense, we have all been called to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. Do you know why? Because it is through the church – the local church – that the manifold wisdom of God is being made known to the rulers and authorities.

Other Sheep in This City

Local churches exist to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ in their local contexts until Christ returns. Jesus continues to gather His sheep through the church. When Jesus was talking about being the Good Shepherd, he said...

And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. John 10:16

Jesus told Paul to stay in Corinth and continue to preach the unsearchable riches of the gospel because God had more people He wanted to save in that city.

And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people." And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. Acts 18:9-11

This is not rocket science. CrossWay Community Church exists to preach the unsearchable riches of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our mission is to glorify God through the transforming of lives by the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our passion is that all people find their satisfaction in Christ alone.

Related Posts:

Conviction 1 – The Glory of God

Conviction -2 – The End of Human History

Conviction 3 – The Rejection of God

Conviction 4 – God’s Mission of Redemption
Conviction 5 – Redemption Through Jesus Christ