Internal Function
By: Pastor Bailey Miller
What Does the Church Do Internally?
In today’s blog, we're exploring the nature of the church as a living kingdom and focusing on the internal activities and care of the church while highlighting the distinct responsibilities of the pastor, the congregation, and the church as a whole. Far too often is the church confused to be just a weekly gathering or mercy ministry factory, rather than a living bride of Christ and beacon of God’s glory to the world.
The Church as a Living Kingdom
To begin, let's briefly consider the nature of the church as a living kingdom. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture and has been critical in the church properly understanding and living out its identity.
As noted last week, the church is not merely a human institution or a meeting. It is the manifestation of God's kingdom on earth and a living organism that is both visible and invisible. The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith (LBCF) states in Chapter 26, Paragraph 1:
"The universal church, which may be called invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ the head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all."
This dual nature of the church includes the visible church, which comprises all who profess and live out the one true Christian religion, and the invisible church, consisting of the elect, known only to God, who are united by their faith in Christ (Ephesians 1:22–23).
What the Church Is Called to Do
Let's turn our attention to what the church is called to do, with a focus on its internal activities and care. We'll explore the distinct responsibilities of the pastor, the congregation, and the church as a whole.
Responsibilities of the Pastor
The primary responsibility of the pastor, or elder, is to shepherd the flock of God. This involves preaching and teaching the Word of God faithfully both in their sermons and their lives. In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul exhorts Timothy:
"Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
The pastor must feed the congregation with sound doctrine, ensuring that they are well-nourished spiritually (Titus 1:9). Pastors are also called to provide pastoral care, which includes counseling, comforting, and guiding the members of the church. James 5:14–15 instructs:
"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up."
Pastoral care is essential for addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of the congregation. Additionally, pastors are to equip the saints for the work of ministry. Ephesians 4:11–12 states that Christ gave:
"the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."
This means training and preparing the congregation to serve one another and engage in various ministries within the church. Ultimately, the pastor is tasked with the care of souls in this day and age, as well as eternity. Thankfully for the sake of congregations, a pastor need not rely on their ability to entertain, motivate, or perform, but their willingness to submit, to serve, and to see God’s will for their congregation in His Word and live accordingly.
Responsibilities of the Congregation
The congregation also has significant responsibilities within the church as they too are to be in covenant with their local church body. One of the primary duties is to actively participate in worship. Hebrews 10:24–25 encourages believers:
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Worship is a communal activity where believers gather to glorify God, edify one another, and receive the means of grace. Not only that, but a congregation’s active worship entails the participation of communion in which the life of Christ is proclaimed, as well as the cheerful giving of tithing in order to care for those who lead the church, as well as efforts for those outside of it. Congregants are called to mutual care and encouragement. Galatians 6:2 instructs:
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
This involves practical acts of love and service, such as providing for those in need, visiting the sick, and offering support during difficult times (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
Additionally, the congregation is responsible for exercising church discipline in accordance with Matthew 18:15–17. This process involves addressing sin within the church with the goal of restoration and reconciliation. It is a means of maintaining the purity and holiness of the church (1 Corinthians 5:12–13).
Responsibilities of the Church as a Whole
The church as a whole, encompassing both pastors and congregation, is to be a community of discipleship and growth. This involves teaching sound doctrine, fostering spiritual maturity, and encouraging one another to live out the Christian faith. Colossians 3:16 exhorts:
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
The church is also a place of fellowship and communion. Acts 2:42 describes the early church as devoted:
"to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."
Fellowship involves sharing life together, building relationships, and supporting one another in the journey of faith. Furthermore, the church is called to be a witness to the world. Jesus said in John 13:35:
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
The love and unity within the church are powerful testimonies to the transformative power of the Gospel. The church's internal care and activity serve as a model for the broader society, reflecting the kingdom of God on earth.
Conclusion
The church as a living kingdom is a dynamic and growing entity, unified under Christ and sanctified by the Spirit. Its internal activities and care are vital for its health and growth. The pastor is responsible for preaching, teaching, and pastoral care. The congregation participates in worship, mutual care, and church discipline. Together, the church fosters discipleship, fellowship, and a faithful witness to the world.