Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers... praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:41–42, 47; NKJV)

The word ‘church’ receives mixed reactions in modern America. Historically, the church has largely been a force for social good, founding many of the social institutions we take for granted today (including education and healthcare). But in modern America, the church is often portrayed as an outdated institution holding society back from social progress. What is the church? What are her primary religious and social purposes? Let’s dig in.

In the Bible, the word “church” first appears in Matthew 16:18. It translates the ancient Greek word meaning “assembly.” In Matthew 16:16, Peter confesses to Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus, referring to Peter’s confession, answered, “on this rock I will build My church” (Matt 16:18). Peter’s confession is the confession shared by all Christians. The church refers to the community of Christians worldwide who believe in Jesus as the Jewish Messiah. (Matt 16:18; Acts 2:47; Eph 1:22; Col 1:18, 24)

The primary relationship between God and the church is the church’s identity as the bride of Christ. Christ is her head and she voluntarily yields to Him. The church is joined by spiritual covenant to Christ through God’s grace, being redeemed from sin and death by Christ’s atoning sacrifice. This relationship is received by each Christian when they trust in Christ. Historically, the church began at Pentecost, when God poured out His Spirit on believers, as He promised in the Old Testament. The church looks forward to Christ’s return, when He will make all things new (Acts 2; Eph 1:7-12; 2:19-22; 5:24-27; Jas 5:7-8; Rev 21-22)

The primary relationship between members of the church is the church’s identity as the household of God. Christians are brothers and sisters in a spiritual family. God places local churches within specific communities to reach those communities for His Kingdom through evangelism and benevolent service. Christians meet together with one another on a regular basis to encourage one another in faith and service to God and to participate together to reach the world for God’s Kingdom. (Matt 5:13-16; Eph 2:19-22; Col 3:13-17; Heb 10:24-25)

The primary mission of the church is to impact the world for God’s Kingdom. The church carries out this mission in a variety of ways, especially through evangelism, missions, local outreach, and participating in various aspects of public society. The church shares God’s heart for the lost and vulnerable and testifies of God’s goodness to a sinful world. (Matt 5:13-16; 25:31-46; 28:18-20; John 3:16; Rom 13:6; Jas 1:27; 1 Pet 2:15, 1 John 5:19)

The primary activities of the public church service are studying the Scriptures, taking communion, singing praise to God, praying, and encouraging one another. The goals of these activities are mutual encouragement in faith and service to God, training for ministry, and growing in spiritual maturity. These activities are to be pursued in a spirit of mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, peace, unity and grace. (Acts 2:42, 47; 1 Cor 14:12; Eph 4:11-16; Col 3:13-17; Heb 10:24-25; Jas 5:14)

The primary leaders in the church are pastors, elders, and other ministry leaders whom Christ anoints and the local church designates to direct and organize the activities of the church. Such leadership is carried out by yielding to the leading of the Holy Spirit and through the careful, prayerful, accurate study of the Scriptures and their application to daily life. Pastors and leaders minister to the spiritual needs of their congregations and train them to do the work of ministering in their homes, workplaces, and other spheres of influence. (Acts 20:26-28; Eph 4:11-16; 1 Tim 3:1-7, 8-13; 2 Tim 2:15)

So, is the church an outdated institution holding society back from social progress? Not by design or intent. The church is the community of all who trust in Jesus Christ and sincerely desire to follow Him. She is the bride of Christ and the household of God. Her purpose is to encourage believers in their faith and further God’s Kingdom through evangelism and benevolent service.The church has long history of social participation and the only social progress it hinders is that which stands opposed to its essential nature and purposes. The church has much to offer the world, both spiritually and socially, especially in its continuing concern for the vulnerable of society and its hope-filled message of eternal life to a lost and hurting world. (Matt 5:13–16; Luke 15; John 3:16–21; Jas 1:26–27)