Chapter 12: The Church and Its Mission

We believe the church is the body of Christ, made up of all who are born again, and that it exists to worship God, build up believers, and take the gospel to the whole world.

Christ himself founded it: “upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Its early life is the pattern: “they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). Believers are not to neglect gathering: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another” (Hebrews 10:25).

Every believer is a priest: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). The church’s mission is the Great Commission: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). Pentecost power was given for this purpose (Acts 1:8).

Where the traditions stand. The Assemblies of God places a strong emphasis on world evangelization as its reason for being. Evangelical Baptists emphasize the priesthood of all believers and the independence of each local congregation. The Foursquare Church is organized as a denomination with a strong missionary focus. Local church membership is for believers who have been born again and baptized.

Carry this verse: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).