Ecclesiology (Doctrine of the Church): Mission of the Church
The doctrine of the church, or ecclesiology, includes not only the nature of the church but also its mission. To ask what is the church? inevitably leads to the question what is the church for? The New Testament presents the church as Christ’s body, set apart to proclaim His name, live under His lordship, and extend His mission to the ends of the earth.
The mission of the church is not an optional program for the zealous few; it is central to the identity of God’s people. From the call of Abraham to the Great Commission, Scripture shows that God’s purpose has always been to gather a people for Himself and send them out as witnesses of His glory.
1. The Church’s Mission Rooted in Christ
The church’s mission is rooted in the work and command of Jesus Christ. After His resurrection, He declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:18–19).
This passage shows that the church’s mission flows from:
Christ’s authority – He reigns as Lord and directs His people.
Christ’s command – To make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey His Word.
Christ’s presence – He promises, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
The mission of the church is not a human invention but a continuation of Christ’s ministry through His Spirit-empowered body.
2. The Church’s Mission to Evangelize and Make Disciples
At the heart of the church’s mission is evangelism and discipleship. Evangelism proclaims the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection. Discipleship nurtures believers in obedience and holiness. Together, these two tasks fulfill Christ’s call to make disciples of all nations.
Evangelism ensures that the gospel is announced clearly, inviting all people to repentance and faith (Romans 10:14–15). Discipleship ensures that converts are formed into mature followers of Christ, rooted in sound teaching and godly living (Colossians 1:28).
The early church modeled this dual mission: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). The mission of the church cannot be reduced to social activity alone but must center on the Word of God and the gospel of salvation.
3. The Church’s Mission in Society
While the church’s central task is spiritual, it also has a mission to witness to God’s mercy and justice in the world. Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to care for the poor, defend the vulnerable, and act justly (Micah 6:8; James 1:27).
This mission is not identical with political power, yet it touches every sphere of life. The church demonstrates the kingdom of God by embodying a community of love, reconciliation, and justice in a fractured world. Its mission includes:
Mercy – serving the needy and oppressed (Acts 6:1–6).
Justice – calling societies to righteousness, as the prophets did.
Witness – living in such a way that unbelievers see the good works of Christians and glorify God (Matthew 5:16).
The church does not transform culture by force but bears witness through service, prayer, and holy living.
4. The Church’s Mission Through Word and Sacrament
The church’s mission is expressed institutionally through the preaching of the Word and the practice of the ordinances. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper both proclaim the gospel: baptism signifies entrance into the covenant community, while the Lord’s Supper proclaims Christ’s death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26).
The faithful preaching of Scripture equips the church for mission (2 Timothy 4:2), while the sacraments embody the gospel visibly. Together, Word and sacrament remind the church that its mission is not self-directed but Christ-centered, always grounded in God’s promises.
5. The Church’s Mission as a People of Witness
The church’s mission is not limited to programs or ministries; it is the identity of the church itself. As Peter declares, “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
This means:
The church exists for God’s glory, not its own success.
Every believer participates in mission, not just leaders or missionaries.
The church’s mission anticipates the end of the age, when the nations will be gathered into the new creation (Revelation 21:24–26).
Mission is therefore woven into the very nature of the church. To be the church is to be sent into the world as Christ’s witnesses.
Conclusion
The mission of the church is the outworking of God’s eternal plan to redeem a people for Himself. Rooted in Christ’s authority, the church is called to evangelize, disciple, witness in society, and embody the gospel through Word and sacrament.
Ecclesiology teaches us that the church is not only holy, catholic, and apostolic but also missional by its very nature. God gathers His people in order to send them out. The mission of the church reminds believers that they are pilgrims, proclaiming the gospel until the day when Christ returns and the mission gives way to eternal worship.
Bible Verses on the Mission of the Church
Matthew 28:19–20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
John 20:21 – “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’”
1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
Romans 10:14–15 – “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?”
Micah 6:8 – “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Matthew 5:16 – “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Colossians 1:28 – “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”
Acts 2:42 – “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
Revelation 7:9 – “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.”
