The nature of the Church is both human and supernatural and its mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The church is human because it is comprised of human beings with limitations. It is supernatural because it was established by Christ, according to Peter's statement, "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." (NIV, Matthew 16:18). The mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world is the main reason for the existence of the Church. This is the task of human beings, an assembly of people, as translated from the Greek word, Eclessia. And in this assembly or meeting not only is God worshiped but God’s worshipers are also prepared through discipleship to grow holistically—in spirit, soul, and body; thereby demonstrating in everyday life why we are the disciples of Jesus Christ. For as the Apostle James would say, “Faith without works is dead." In other words, I do good works because I am a Christian. I do not do works to be a Christian. In fact, it is the opposite. The fact of being a disciple enables me to do what Christ did when He was on earth in the power of the Holy Spirit of God.
Today, as in the past, the Church has as its primary tasks growing in love for God, which is shown through the means of grace, and being able to love our neighbors on the basis of what the Gospel tells us. The Church should publicly express its commitment to God and practice doing good to our neighbors. The Church must denounce the social sins of the contemporary world, which continues to exploit the poor, women, children, immigrants, etc. It must not remain silent. It is also the task of the Church to welcome all people—because all people are worthy of respect by the mere fact that they are created by God in God’s image.
Today, as in the past, the Church has as its primary tasks growing in love for God, which is shown through the means of grace, and being able to love our neighbors on the basis of what the Gospel tells us. The Church should publicly express its commitment to God and practice doing good to our neighbors. The Church must denounce the social sins of the contemporary world, which continues to exploit the poor, women, children, immigrants, etc. It must not remain silent. It is also the task of the Church to welcome all people—because all people are worthy of respect by the mere fact that they are created by God in God’s image.
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