This is not really disturbing question, but it is an important one.
For many of us, church (or corps in a Salvation Army context) is part of our lives. Often, we are painfully aware of the shortcomings and faults of our local church and at the same time realise the importance of belonging to and engaging in the church.
So, it is there, but what it is – or I suppose what I am really asking, what is it supposed to be?
To what degree could a local church be defined as a
Christ-centred
Spirit-empowered
Missionary-focused
Community
A quick read of that might cause the reaction that that could also be the definition of a small group and I would agree. I guess one could say, that every church should be a Christ-centred, Spirit-empowered, and Missionary-focused Community, but not every such community will necessarily be a church.
Anyway, what do you think? How would you define a local church? What is missing in the above? Is it even necessary to consider it, or should we just get on with the mission?
Comments, ideas, critic, suggestions are very welcome.