Now that we have seen what the church is supposed to do, let us now see what the church is not. First, the mission of the church is not social. The church of the Lord is not a “social institution.” While the gospel will work social reform, it does so by reforming the individual’s manner of living. The church did not become a social institution or the center of social activity. “Fellowship banquets,” a church fellowship hall or cafeteria to entertain visitors and accommodate social functions, serving refreshments to attract greater attendance is wholly wrong. The mission of the church is not to provide church basketball teams, church-sponsored skating parties or facilities for recreational games, etc.
The mission of the church is not to make money. God gave the pattern for raising the funds to do the work of the church (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Mer- chandising, manufacturing or any other economic endeavor is outside the function of the Lord’s church. All legitimate business should be kept in the field of individual enterprise.
The mission of the church is not to serve as a school of domestic relations. Parent education, psychology and related subjects are not the work of the church. The mission of the church is not to teach secular subjects such as science, mathematics, history, etc. The mission of the church is not political. God ordained civil government to resolve all these issues (Romans 13:1-7). Let’s let the church be the church!
Kyle Campbell
