February 16, 2018 (Friday)
From time to time, churches prepare “mission statements” in which they state in a general way what they feel the Lord wants them to do for him where they are. I’ve noticed that the statements differ from each other in specific words but each list reveals five basic objectives of the church. We will assign to each digit on our hand an objective of the church. From now on, when you look at your hand, hopefully you will be reminded of the five basic objectives of the church.
Take a look at the hand, left to right:
1. Thumb. Needed for work.
MINISTRY.
The church is to do something. It is here to serve. The types of ministries a church performs depend upon the needs it seeks to meet. Jesus emphasized the need for such work as visiting the sick, imprisoned, and needy, and helping them as far as it is possible.
2. Index finger. Points the way.
WITNESS.
The church is to be a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ in its community and is to be involved in some way in a witness to the world. Evangelism and missions are the heart of its life.
3. Middle finger. Surrounded by the others.
FELLOWSHIP.
We live in a world in which many people feel alienated and unloved. The church is to be an oasis of love and acceptance for all.
4. Ring finger. Ring resembles crown.
WORSHIP.
Every time the church comes together, the members are to worship God in their hearts. The elements of worship are intended to help a person come face to face with the living God.
5. Little finger. Needs to grow.
NURTURE.
Evangelism introduces people to Christ; nurture teaches and trains them. Nurture takes place in many ways in a church as the members help each other to grow in grace.
The printed order of these five objectives is not necessarily the order of importance. They are all important, and each one is needed in the church.
1. Thumb. Needed for work.
MINISTRY.
The church is to do something. It is here to serve. The types of ministries a church performs depend upon the needs it seeks to meet. Jesus emphasized the need for such work as visiting the sick, imprisoned, and needy, and helping them as far as it is possible.
2. Index finger. Points the way.
WITNESS.
The church is to be a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ in its community and is to be involved in some way in a witness to the world. Evangelism and missions are the heart of its life.
3. Middle finger. Surrounded by the others.
FELLOWSHIP.
We live in a world in which many people feel alienated and unloved. The church is to be an oasis of love and acceptance for all.
4. Ring finger. Ring resembles crown.
WORSHIP.
Every time the church comes together, the members are to worship God in their hearts. The elements of worship are intended to help a person come face to face with the living God.
5. Little finger. Needs to grow.
NURTURE.
Evangelism introduces people to Christ; nurture teaches and trains them. Nurture takes place in many ways in a church as the members help each other to grow in grace.
The printed order of these five objectives is not necessarily the order of importance. They are all important, and each one is needed in the church.