6 QUESTIONS EVERY CHURCH SHOULD ASK
“Why Do We Exist?”

Pastor Scott Oas | 10.18.15

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH?

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” - Matthew 16:18-19 (NIV)

FIVE PURPOSES OF THE CHURCH

I. WORSHIP

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” - Matthew 22:37 (NIV)

II. MINISTRY

“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” - Matthew 22:39 (NIV)

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” - Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

III. EVANGELISM

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..." - Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

IV. FELLOWSHIP

“... baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” - Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

V. DISCIPLESHIP

“... and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matthew 28:20 (NIV)

GOING DEEPER

SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 22:34-40, 28:16-20

GETTING STARTED

Ever ridden in a hot air balloon, hand-glided, or in an airplane? What is the view like from up there?

God has a larger picture of the church, what do you think He is envisioning for the church to be?

A CLOSER LOOK

Read Matthew 22:34-40.

What do these verses reveal about Jesus’ desire for Worship?

Why is it so important for us to get “Worship” first when it comes to the church?

“Love your neighbor as yourself” (v. 39). What does it mean for the church (you) to be a neighbor? To love your neighbor?

Read Matthew 28:16-20.

“Go make disciples” is an imperative. What happens if we stop making disciples?

DIGGING DEEPER

What is the difference between “making disciples” and evangelism?

Of these 5 purposes of the church, which are you drawn to the most? Which are the most challenging to you?

1. Worship
2. Ministry
3. Evangelism
4. Fellowship
5. Discipleship