Bible Study: What Is the Church and Its Mission? Understanding the Assemblies of God View
The Church is not a physical building, a social club, or a weekly event to attend, it is a living, breathing movement of grace designed to change the world.
What is the Church and what is its primary mission?
The Church is the Spirit-indwelt Body of Christ, comprised of all believers who have accepted Jesus as Savior. Its mission is fourfold: to evangelize the world, to worship God corporately, to build a community of believers growing into the image of Christ, and to show divine compassion to those in need.
Understanding the Identity of the Church
In the Assemblies of God (AG), our Statement of Fundamental Truths (specifically #10) clarifies that the Church is the "habitation of God through the Spirit." This means the Church is where God dwells on earth today. It isn’t found in bricks and mortar in Cordova or Bartlett; it is found in the hearts of people who have been transformed by the Gospel.
When we speak of the "Universal Church," we are talking about every person, regardless of denomination or geography, who has been born of the Spirit. Whether you are gathering in person in the 901 area code or joining us through Boundless Online Church from halfway across the globe, you are an integral part of this one, divine family.
Definition: The Church The Church (Greek: Ekklesia) refers to the "called-out ones." It is the collective body of believers throughout history and across the globe who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Head.
The Fourfold Mission of the Church
The Assemblies of God emphasizes that the Church has a specific "reason-for-being." We aren't just here to wait for heaven; we are here with a mandate.
1. Evangelizing the World
The Church is God’s primary agency for reaching those who are lost. This is often called the Great Commission. It is the heartbeat of everything we do, from local outreach in Memphis to digital discipleship through Boundless. We believe that every believer is called to be a witness, empowered by the Holy Spirit to share the hope of Jesus.
2. Corporate Worship of God
We were created to know and love God. When the Church gathers, whether in a physical sanctuary in Memphis or a digital chat room, we fulfill our purpose by offering corporate praise. Worship is more than music; it is a lifestyle of honoring God’s presence and acknowledging His sovereignty.
3. Building Up Believers (Discipleship)
A major part of the Church’s mission is to help believers grow. We aren't meant to stay "spiritual infants." The Church provides the environment where we are "perfected in the image of His Son." Through teaching, fellowship, and the operation of spiritual gifts, we help one another become more like Jesus every day.
4. Demonstrating Compassion
While the first three points are the primary focus of Fundamental Truth #10, the AG tradition deeply values the Church’s role in meeting human needs with ministries of love and compassion. This is the Gospel in action, serving our neighbors in Arlington, Millington, and beyond.
Definition: The Great Commission Found in Matthew 28:18–20, this is the final instruction Jesus gave His followers to go into all the world, make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to obey His commands.
The Power Behind the Mission: The Holy Spirit
We cannot fulfill this mission on our own. The Assemblies of God teaches that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is essential for the Church to operate as it did in New Testament times. This experience provides the "power from on high" (Acts 1:8) needed for effective witnessing, vibrant worship, and spiritual growth. It is the fuel that keeps the local church in the 901 and the global community of Boundless moving forward with bold faith.
Local Connection vs. Global Reach
At FA Memphis, we believe in the power of the local assembly. There is something sacred about gathering with your neighbors in Cordova or Collierville to pray and serve. The local church is where "the rubber meets the road" in terms of accountability and community.
However, we also recognize that the Church has no borders. Through Boundless Online Church, we are able to reach the homebound, the traveler, and the international seeker. Whether you are sitting in a pew in Memphis or on your sofa in another country, you are participating in the same mission, the same Spirit, and the same Body.
Practical Ways to "Be the Church" This Week
Being part of the Church’s mission isn't just for pastors; it’s for every believer. Here is how you can activate your role:
Pray for the Lost: Ask God to open doors for you to share your faith with someone in your workplace or neighborhood.
Engage in Community: Join a Life Group or a digital small group to build relationships with other believers.
Serve with Compassion: Look for a practical need you can meet this week, whether it’s helping a neighbor or volunteering for a local outreach.
Prioritize Worship: Make a commitment to gather with the Body this Sunday, either in person or online.
Life Takeaway: You Have a Part to Play
You are not an observer in the Kingdom of God; you are a participant. According to the Assemblies of God view, your life is a "divine appointment" to help fulfill the Great Commission. When you realize that you are part of the Body of Christ, your daily actions take on eternal significance. You are the hands and feet of Jesus to a world that desperately needs His love.
A Closing Question for Reflection
How is your unique role in the "Body of Christ" currently helping to fulfill the Church's mission to evangelize, worship, and build others up?
We Are Here for You
Whether you are exploring faith for the first time or looking for a community to call home, we want to walk with you.
We'd love to connect with you. Visit www.boundlessonlinechurch.org to join our community from anywhere, or if you're in the Memphis area, find us at www.famemphis.org.
Do you have a specific prayer request? The mission of the Church begins with prayer. Our team is standing by to lift you up. You can reach out to us during our ministry hours (Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM CST) or join our Sunday live-streaming service with live chat from the Pastor for Boundless Online outreach.
Contact & Prayer Support:
Phone: 901-213-7341
Visit Us:www.famemphis.org | www.boundlessonlinechurch.org
Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)
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