We believe that the purpose of the church is to be the hands and feet of Christ- to join with other believers who are called out. The church isn’t simply a place to come; it is better described as God’s movement reaching people around the world with the saving power of Jesus Christ. As followers of Christ, we are all uniquely gifted to minister. These unique gifts are given to edify (build up) the church. They are not for our own use and gain, but for God’s glory. Don’t just ‘come and see’, but ‘go and reach’!
We can worship God and Build believers, but if we’re not actively endeavoring to reach people, then we’re not a church. This is not a job relegated only to the Pastors and leaders in the church. This is a commandment by Jesus to all of us. We are all commanded and called to reach people. The command has to do with the obedience of actually going to reach people. The call has to do with the where (more than one place by the way) of going.
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. - Acts 1:8
Here at Parkway we seek to obey Jesus’ command by endeavoring to reach our neighbors and the nations. Every group, from our Small Groups to our Student ministry, is asked to be involved in reaching our neighbors and the nations. It is not neighbors or the nations. It is not neighbors first, then the nations. We seek to reach both.
