The work of the church is often misunderstood. Many see the church as a social club with authority to be involved in catering to the recreational needs of individuals. They feel that a church should offer food, social gatherings, and a “youth minister” designated to coordinate special events for the teens.

Are these the works we find local churches in the Bible involved in?

What Is the Work of the Local Church?

Read the following passages and write down the work of the church being described

  • Acts 2:42; 4:24; 20:7
  • 1 Corinthians 14:14
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:8
  • 1 Corinthians 5:4-5
  • Philippians 1:1; Titus 1:5
  • Ephesians 4:11-12
  • Philippians 1:5; 4:15
  • Acts 4:34-37; 2 Corinthians 9:12-15

Can the Church Teach What It Cannot Practice?

  • In the realm of work (Ephesians 4:28)
    • What should the church teach about secular work and business?
    • What can the church not do with regard to work?
  • In the realm of civil government (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17)
    • What should the church teach about government and civil ethics?
    • What can the church not do with regard to civil government?
  • In the realm of family (Ephesians 5:22-33; 6:1-4)
    • What should the church teach about family responsibilities and needs?
    • What can the church not do with regard to family?
  • In the realm community (Acts 2:46; 1 Peter 4:9)
    • What should the church teach about association and social gatherings?
    • What can the church not do with regard to community?

Final Thoughts

  • No one disciple is the local church. The local church is made of many disciples.
  • The work of the local church involves saints working together to spread the gospel, equip one another for good work, submit to common leadership, and share into a common treasury.
  • Being a local church member does not negate the responsibilities and obligations given to individual disciples. When we make the local church’s work the same as individual disciples, we pervert God’s will for the church.