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What is the work of the church?
In his letter to the church at Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:2) Paul told the brethren to be “always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Christ is not satisfied with a congregation that does not work (Revelation 2:2-5; 3:2). To each of the seven churches of Asia He says: “I know your works” (Revelation 2:2, 9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15).
Christ is the Head of the church (Ephesians 1:22, 23).The church is guided by the word of God (2 Timothy 3:14-17). It is not a human institution with man-made rules. It is not free to do anything it wants.
In his letter to Timothy, Paul explained: “These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:14, 15). The Corinthian church needed to learn not to go beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6).
The work of the church is done by its members.The church is the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22, 23). “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another” (Romans 12:4, 5).
Christians are
always members of the body of Christ. All that we do is to be done in the name of the Lord (Colossians 3:17). Our whole lives are to be directed by the word of God. We are to present our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).
In a sense, then, all that we do as Christians is being done by the church, the body of Christ. But not all that we do is done by a congregation. Some things are done individually and some things are done at the congregational level.
An individual Christian, for example, is free to place an ad in a newspaper offering to study the Scriptures with people. He does not have to ask anyone’s permission to do this if he is doing it in his own name, with his own address, and is paying for it himself.
He is not free, however, to do something in the name of a congregation without having been authorized by the congregation. He may not, for example, put the address of the congregation on his personal ad or expect the congregation to pay for it.
Things done in the name of a congregation must be authorized by the congregation.
This also applies to preachers. They are free to preach the gospel whenever and wherever they wish. But they may not do things, or incur expenses, in the name of a congregation that have not been authorized by the congregation.
Because all the work of the church is done by its members (either in their own name or in the name of a congregation) New Testament letters addressed to churches deal both with congregational matters and with the faith and activities of individual members.
A clear-cut distinction is not always made between individual and congregational responsibilities because in many cases they overlap. One must exercise discernment on the basis of the context to distinguish between what applies only to congregations or only to individuals, and what applies to both.
There is a distinction between individual and congregational activity.Under the New Covenant, individual believers and congregations have certain tasks to perform. These tasks are often parallel, but sometimes they are distinct.
Christians as individuals have responsibilities that are different from the responsibilities of a congregation.
Individual Christians, for example, are to earn money to support themselves and their families (1 Thessalonians 4:11, 12; 2 Thessalonians 3:11, 12; Ephesians 4:28). “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Lydia was a seller of purple (Acts 16:14). Aquila and Priscilla were tentmakers (Acts 18:2).
A church of Christ, however, has not been authorized to go into business or to engage in commercial enterprises. This is not among its intended purposes.
Jesus condemned the money changers who had set up shop in the temple: “Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, ‘It is written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer,” but you have made it a “den of thieves”’” (Matthew 21:12, 13). Jesus objected to their dishonest practices, but also to the temple being used for something other than its intended purpose! This principle also applies to the church. It should not be used for unauthorized purposes.
Congregational resources result from free-will offerings on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2; 2 Corinthians 9:7) and from special contributions (Acts 4:34, 35). These resources may be used to accomplish all tasks God has given the local congregation.
Individuals administer their own resources. Referring to the land Ananias had sold, Peter said: “While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control?” (Acts 5:4).
Congregational funds are administered by the elders: “Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 11:29, 30).
Individuals are to care for their own relatives if possible, so the church will not be burdened. “But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God” (1 Timothy 5:4). “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8). “If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows” (1 Timothy 5:16).
What are the tasks of a local congregation?The responsibilities God has given the church are so extensive and diverse that one must read the entire New Testament to get a complete picture.
Here are some of the main tasks of the local congregation:
1. The church is to assemble.A congregation assembles on the first day of the week to break bread (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:18, 26, 33; 14:23; Hebrews 10:25). It can also assemble for other purposes, for example, to pray all night for a brother in prison (Acts 12:5, 12) or to hear a report given by missionaries (Acts 14:27). Everything must be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Of the Jerusalem congregation we read: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). This fellowship included association and helping one another: “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:44-47).
The believers came together both as a large group (in the temple) and in smaller groups (in homes). The expression ‘ate their food with gladness’ refers to regular meals, not to the Lord’s supper as in verse 42. They enjoyed being together and they enjoyed eating together.
Where a congregation is to meet is not specified. We read of congregations meeting in the temple at Jerusalem (Acts 2:26; 5:12), in an upper room (Acts 20:8); in someone’s home (Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 2), and in their own synagogue: “For if there come into your synagogue a man with a gold ring...” (James 2:2). Many translations have ‘assembly’ for ‘synagogue’ here, but it is synagogue in Greek. In the New Testament the word usually refers to a meeting house. The construction ‘come into your synagogue’ suggests a building, as does the reference to seating arrangements. Compare with Mark 1:21; Luke 4:16; Acts 18:19; 19:8.
The commands to assemble and the above examples authorize a congregation to make arrangements for a place to meet. Since no specific instructions are given, they may use their judgment as to what is most suitable.
The place of meeting has no special meaning for Christians because under the New Covenant the believers themselves are the temple of God (1 Peter 2:4, 5).
When people have special rules about what may or may not be done in ‘the church building,’ such rules have no Scriptural foundation because as far as the Bible is concerned, ‘the church building’ does not exist as a defined entity. A congregation can just as easily meet in a field, under a tree, in a cave, or in someone’s home. What one may or may not do in the
assembly is a Scriptural question, also what one may or may not do with congregational resources.
Discord is sometimes sown by people claiming that Christians may not eat a regular meal in a building that belongs to the church. To support this they usually appeal to Paul’s statement: “What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in?” (1 Corinthians 11:22). In that context, however, Paul is discussing a situation where the Lord’s table was being degraded to a regular meal. In the
assembly it is indeed true that one may not have a regular meal rather than the Lord’s supper!
Paul himself ate in the meeting place at Troas. In Acts 20:7 the believers came together in an upper room on the first day of the week to break bread, which refers to the Lord’s supper. Paul preached until midnight. After he raised Eutychus from the dead, he went back upstairs. Then we read, “Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed” (Acts 20:11). This refers to a regular meal since it says only that ‘he’ ... ‘had broken bread and eaten’. If it referred to the Lord’s supper, it would have said when ‘they’ had broken bread and eaten. The informality of the situation makes it clear that this was not a part of the regular assembly “and talked a long while, even till daybreak.”
2. The church receives gifts from its members.A collection is taken on the first day of the week. “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2).
Some have suggested that these Christians were to lay something aside at home. This is not reasonable, however, because then a collection would still be required when Paul arrived, which he wanted to avoid. Also, why would it have to be on the first day of the week if it were not in the weekly assembly?
This instructs congregations to have a collection on the first day of the week and also to form a treasury from which needs can be met that are too large to be met by a one-time collection.
Notice that this was not a local arrangement. Paul commanded the churches in Galatia to do the same.
Special contributions can also be given: “Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need” (Acts 4:34, 35).
A congregation may agree to give something in the future (2 Corinthians 9:5). A congregation may appoint a brother and give him letters to take a gift to its destination (1 Corinthians 16:3). One brother may be chosen for this by several congregations, and accountability should be maintained (2 Corinthians 8:18-23). Paul made these arrangements so no one could question his integrity in financial matters. In church finances, high accounting standards should be maintained, providing for what is honorable “not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Corinthians 8:21).
3. The church is to preach the gospel.“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature’” (Mark 16:15).
Although these words were spoken to the apostles, they apply to all believers collectively. No single congregation or individual can accomplish this alone. Each Christian and each congregation participates according to opportunity and ability. Together we obey the command.
Some have claimed that these words do not apply to them since they were spoken to the apostles. But Jesus’ statement in Matthew 28:20, “and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” shows that the command was for all Christians of all ages.
Exactly
how the gospel is to be preached, is not said. Thus Christians and congregations may decide within the framework of God’s word how they will carry out this assignment. They are free, for example, to go on foot, by boat, by train, or by airplane, because they have the general command to go.
They also make use of available means of proclamation (sermons, tracts, newspapers, radio, TV, Internet) because they have been given the general command to preach.
They preach both in their own vicinity and in other parts of the world. Some go and others support those who go (Romans 10:11-15).
Churches have an obligation to support preachers and missionaries (1 Corinthians 9:6-14; Philippians 4:15-18). When Paul preached at Corinth, he received support from the churches in Macedonia (2 Corinthians 11:8, 9), and he suggested that the church at Corinth might “help him on his way” at a later time (2 Corinthians 1:16).
Churches also sent men to serve Paul on their behalf (Acts 19:22; Philippians 2:25; Philemon 12-14).
4. The church is to teach disciples to observe all that Christ has commanded.“Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age’” (Matthew 28:18-20).
Although this was said to the apostles, it is a general assignment for all believers and all congregations of all times (“to the end of the age”).
Christ gave apostles and prophets in the first century as a foundation for the church (Ephesians 2:20) and evangelists, elders and teachers for all times to build up the church (Ephesians 4:11-16). There can be several brethren in one congregation who are teachers (Acts 13:1). Not everyone is a teacher in this sense (James 3:1). Elders and teachers can be supported (1 Timothy 5:17, 18; Galatians 6:6).
Teaching disciples to observe all that Christ has commanded includes combating false doctrine (Ephesians 4:14; Titus 1:9). When false teachers from Judea came to Antioch, the church sent Paul and Barnabas and a few others to Jerusalem to discuss the problem (Acts 15:1-4).
A congregation can send someone to help build up a congregation in another place (Acts 11:22).
Although each congregation has its own responsibility, evangelists sometimes give instruction in more than one congregation. Titus taught several congregations on Crete (Titus 1:12-14; 2:6, 8, 15; 3:1, 2, 8). This does not mean that Titus exercised authority over these congregations, as is sometimes claimed, but simply that he provided instruction in more than one congregation.
To teach disciples to observe all that Christ has commanded, each congregation will have a program of instruction according to their needs, abilities and opportunities.
Exactly how the instruction is organized is not prescribed. Such details may be decided by each congregation according to their own circumstances.
Many congregations, for example, have special classes for children of various ages, for women, to train men for leadership, and such-like.
A new Christian must be fed with ‘milk’ until he is able to digest ‘solid food’. “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able” (1 Corinthians 3:1, 2). “However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age” (1 Corinthians 2:6).
In time, Christians are to advance in knowledge. The Hebrews were reprimanded because they had not grown: “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:12-14).
To fill the need for advanced instruction, some congregations set up a program of concentrated or even full-time Bible study with teachers from their own congregation and teachers who are invited from other congregations. The instruction is given to people in the area, some of whom may have moved there to study. A congregation is authorized to do this by the commission of Christ: “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20) and the brethren who teach are authorized by Paul’s command to Timothy: “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).
When some other congregation helps someone financially to attend a Bible study program, they are authorized by the same commands. They are helping him learn what Christ has commanded. They should of course be persuaded that the instruction given is sound (Titus 1:9).
A Bible study program may not be confused with a Christian school or a Christian camp. Although they also teach Bible classes, they provide general education and recreation as well, which are not among the intended purposes of the church. Christian schools and camps should be supported by individual Christians rather than congregations.
5. The church is to do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.In connection with the gift collected by the church at Corinth (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2) Paul says they shared with the
saints and with
all men. “For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men” (2 Corinthians 9:12, 13).
In the letter “To the churches of Galatia” (Galatians 1:2) Paul wrote: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9, 10).
In the second letter “To the church of the Thessalonians” (2 Thessalonians 1:1) Paul wrote: “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good” (2 Thessalonians 3:13).
Jesus is our example in this for He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). One of His distinctive teachings is that we should do good
to all men. “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27). “And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same” (Luke 6:33).
This command to do good is to be carried out by a congregation according to its ability and opportunity. In the Scriptures we find several examples.
The church at Jerusalem (with more than 5000 members - Acts 4:4) distributed food daily to the widows (Acts 6:1-4). The church is to support older, godly widows, who have insufficient help from their own family (1 Timothy 5:3-16).
Congregations help brethren in other places who are in need because of famine (Acts 11:28-30; 1 Corinthians 8:1-4, 12-15; 9:12, 13; Romans 15:25-28; Acts 24:17). Such help is also given “to all men” (2 Corinthians 9:12, 13).
6. The church is to appoint elders and deacons.After they had been “sought out” by the church (Acts 6:3), the apostles appointed seven men to take care of the daily distribution of food to the widows. The appointment of elders and deacons is done with the help of an evangelist (1 Timothy 3:1-15; Titus 1:5-9).
7. The church is to withdraw from Christians who are disorderly.A congregation may not allow its members to bring reproach on the church by their conduct or by false teaching. After a loving attempt to bring the person to repentance, such a one must be excluded from the fellowship if he refuses to repent (Matthew 18:15-18; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 1 Corinthians 5:4, 5, 13; Romans 16:17; 2 Corinthians 2:6).
A congregation can give letters of recommendation to traveling Christians to confirm that they may be accepted as fellow believers (2 Corinthians 3:1).
SummaryWe have examined several tasks God has given the church. The church is to assemble for worship and for other suitable purposes. A collection is to be taken on the first day of the week and special contributions may be given. With the resources thus obtained, the gospel is to be preached and believers are to be edified. The church is to do good to all, especially to believers. The church is to appoint elders and deacons, and is to withdraw from the disorderly.
Roy Davison
The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982,
Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.
Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)
Early on in Jesus’ ministry, John the Baptizer made one of the most beautiful and powerful declarations in all of Holy Writ about Jesus of Nazareth: “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Following this glorious, redemptive statement, however, John makes two claims that have been problematic for some. He said about Jesus:
There is a right way to rear children, and there is a wrong way. Abraham chose the right way. He commanded his children to “keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice” (Genesis 18:19, emp. added). Some 2,000 years later, the inspired apostle Paul made sure to tell the Ephesians to bring their children up “in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4, emp. added). The Lord’s way is the right way (Psalm 119:75). The right way includes diligently teaching young people to be (among other things) sensible, modest, discreet, and chaste (Titus 2:4-8; 1 Peter 3:1-5). It also includes warning today’s youth of the dangerous works of the flesh, including the impure, lewd, sensual things that tend to stir up ungodly passions (Galatians 5:19-21; Romans 13:13).