Not too many years ago, a book written by Rick Warren focused on churches becoming purpose-driven through Jesus Christ. The book? A Purpose Driven Church. Warren essentially shared a five-point strategy that would allow churches to grow – fellowship, discipleship, worship, ministry, and evangelism.
As the book grew in popularity among pastors and many others, I found it interesting to observe the reactions that this book caused. Some churches essentially adopted first-hand the methods found within this book. Others took only portions of what they thought might be most effective for their particular situation. And still others, blasted the book as if it was part of a great heresy creeping up within the Christian Church.
Whatever the reaction, the underlying message of this book written by Warren can be summed up into a question. What is the purpose of the Church? And what’s interesting is that there appears to be a great number of answers to this question.
Some say that the purpose of the Church is to remain faithful in rightfully proclaiming and administering Word and Sacrament. (They’re right.) Others say that we are here to serve as ambassadors for Christ. (They’re right too.) While still others may say that we are here to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. (And they’re right.)
The fact of the matter is that the Christian Church was established by Christ and is lead by His Spirit in all of these very important aspects, as every single one is centered on the forgiveness and new life offered through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
What I have discovered is that when it comes to discussions and thoughts on the purpose of the Church, unfortunately the focus can somehow shift to the individual lives of each member. The focus somehow can quickly turn from what Jesus has done in the perfect life that He lived, the sacrifice that He became on the cross, and His victorious resurrection on our behalf, to what we have or have not done. It is so easy for us to somehow steer our focus from the cross to the mirror – looking to ourselves instead of looking to Christ.
I am in no way suggesting that Rick Warren has done this, but it is certainly our nature to remain self-centered – even when it comes to our faith life. This is probably why so many churches have become cruise ships over the years – becoming not much more than glorified social clubs focusing on the needs and wants of the members instead of those who have yet to know Christ as their Lord and Savior. And this is just one more reason why we must continue to look at ourselves as a local congregation – a congregation placed on North 85th Street in Milwaukee, WI – and review what our purpose is. Having a purpose is not what we seek to do. Our purpose has already been established by the Lord of heaven and earth. But reviewing and knowing what it is that we have been set apart to do as God’s cleansed and forgiven children is of utmost importance.
Clearly, throughout Scripture, we see that Jesus knew what His purpose was. Just read through the Book of John and you’ll find occasion after occasion where Christ speaks of His purpose. (See John 4:34, 5:30, 6:38, 7:29, 8:29, 9:4, 12:44-45, 12:49, 13:20, 17:3, 17:8, 17:18, 20:1) He was to do the Father’s will – bringing salvation to the world.
And now, He has set us apart to do likewise. No…salvation is not found in us as it is in Jesus, but we are now the ones who are sent to bring the Good News that salvation has come. We are, in fact, set apart as God’s chosen children to bring the ultimate purpose in life – His purpose. Because, when our hearts are Ablaze! with His purpose, the world will take notice that we have certainly been with Jesus…or should I say that He has been with us.
It is my prayer that all of us here at Beautiful Savior will continue to ask the Holy Spirit to lead us to share the purpose of Jesus Christ…on purpose.
Saved to serve,