Goal, Objective, Purpose

What is the G.O.P. of the church? The G.O.P. would be the agreed-upon Goals, Objectives, and Purpose of the Church. 3 simple basic and yet challenging statements; Proclaim the Gospel, Demonstrate God's Love, and Make Disciples. All of which revolves around Matthew 28:18-20 - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

The GOAL of the church is to Proclaim the Gospel.

The statement "The GOAL of the church is to proclaim the Gospel" encapsulates a fundamental aspect of Christianity and the church's role in its practice. Let's delve into this statement and its implications: Consider 2 Timothy 2:4 "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction."

  • Proclamation of the Gospel: The Gospel message is at the heart of Christianity. It conveys that God loves humanity, offers forgiveness, and provides a way to reconcile with Him through faith in Jesus. The church's primary duty is to proclaim this message to believers and non-believers alike. This proclamation can take various forms, such as preaching, teaching, evangelism, and even living out the Gospel through acts of love and service.

The OBJECTIVE of the Church should be to demonstrate God's love" and emphasizes the profound role that love plays in the mission and identity of the Christian church. Consider Ephesians 4:2-3 (N.I.V.): "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

  • Imitating Christ's Love: The life of Jesus serves as the ultimate example of love in action. He demonstrated love through compassion, selflessness, forgiveness, and sacrifice. The church is called to imitate Christ's love by showing its members and the broader community these qualities.

  • A Witness to the World: The church's love-filled actions are a powerful witness to the world. When the church demonstrates genuine love, care, and empathy, it highlights the transformative nature of Christianity. It draws people's attention to the redemptive work of God.

  • Practical Acts of Love: Love isn't just a theoretical concept for the church; it's meant to be tangible and practical. This involves acts of kindness, service, generosity, and support for those in need. By meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, the church reflects the compassionate heart of God.

Lastly, The PURPOSE of the church is to make disciples" captures a key directive given by Jesus Christ to His followers. This concept highlights the church's role in nurturing spiritual growth, fostering transformation, and advancing the mission of Christianity. Consider Colossians 1:28-29 (N.I.V.): "He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end, I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me."

  • The Great Commission: The foundation for this statement can be found in the Great Commission, where Jesus instructed His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19-20). This command underscores the church's essential role in spreading Christ's teachings to every corner of the world.

  • Discipleship as a Lifelong Journey: Making disciples extends beyond mere conversion; it encompasses a believer's entire spiritual growth journey. The church guides individuals in their faith walk, provides learning opportunities, and facilitates their ongoing transformation to become more Christ-like.

  • Teaching and Training: Discipleship involves intentional teaching and training in the teachings of Jesus and the principles of the Christian faith. The church provides a platform for believers to deepen their understanding of Scripture, theology, ethics, and practical Christian living.

These verses, along with the Great Commission, highlight the goal, objective and purpose of the church to proclaim the Gospel, demonstrate God’s Love and to make disciples. In doing so the church will nurture spiritual growth, fostering transformation, and advance the mission of Christ.

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