What Is Church About?

If you’re wondering why go to church, looking for a new church, or wanting to improve your church, consider these five key aspects:

  1. The Gospel: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” — Mark 16:15. Pastors must ensure the gospel is clear, as all are called to spread it.
  2. Baptism: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them…” — Matthew 28:19. Baptism is an important step of obedience, symbolizing a new believer’s faith in Jesus.
  3. Teaching/Discipleship: “Go therefore and make disciples…” — Matthew 28:19a. “Speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine…” — Titus 2:1–4a. Teaching, mentoring, and friendships (e.g., older and younger women) disciple others spiritually.
  4. Worship: Psalm 100 encourages singing in God’s presence, both alone and with believers. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs…” — Colossians 3:16.
  5. Edification: Encourage others in their walk with God. “Let us consider one another to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling…” — Hebrews 10:24–25a. “Exhort one another daily…” — Hebrews 3:13. “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all” — 1 Corinthians 12:7. “Warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak…” — 1 Thessalonians 5:14.

Outreach

Organize groups and events to reach communities. “For I was hungry and you gave Me food… Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” — Matthew 25:35, 40.

Prayer

Church is a place for collective prayer—for each other, families, friends, and leaders. “My house shall be called the house of prayer” — Matthew 21:13. “Where two or three are gathered… there am I in the midst of them.” — Matthew 18:20.