Jesus said that the gates of hell will not prevail. Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”

Acts 2:42 describes the early church, “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” 

So, according to this Scripture, the purposes / activities of the church should be:

V       Teaching Biblical doctrine,

V       Providing a place of fellowship for believers,

V       Observing the Lord’s supper, and

V      Praying.

The church is to teach Biblical doctrine so the sheep can be grounded in faith.  Ephesians 4:14 tells us, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.”  The church is to be a place of fellowship, where Christians can be devoted to one another and honor one another (Romans 12:10), instruct one another (Romans 15:14), be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and most importantly love one another (1 John 3:11).

Ephesians 4 states that the business of the church is to continue until all are fitly joined.

The church is to be a place where believers can observe the Lord’s supper, remembering Christ’s death and shed blood on our behalf (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).  The concept of “breaking bread” (Acts 2:42) also carries the idea of having meals together.  This is another example of the church promoting fellowship.  The final purpose of the church according to Acts 2:42 is prayer.  The church is to be a place that promotes prayer, teaches prayer, and practices prayer.  Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Another “commission” given to the church is proclaiming the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).  The church is called to be faithful in sharing the Gospel through word and deed.  The church is to be a “lighthouse” in the community – pointing people towards our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  The church is to both promote the Gospel and prepare its members to proclaim the Gospel (1 Peter 3:15).

So, with all that said, what is the purpose of the church?  Look at the illustration in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.  The church is God’s “body” – we are His hands, mouth, and feet in this world.

We are to be doing the things that Jesus Christ would do if He were here physically on the earth.