People choose a church or denomination mainly because of what it can do for them. Some churches change only to meet the demands of the people it wants to attract.
As we try to be the church in today's world, it's important to reach people where they are. That's what God did in sending Jesus to live among us. But the message of God's Word must not change. We must never adopt a consumer mentality in the church. As Paul puts it, the Lord's intent for the church is that God's manifold wisdom should be made known.
Imagine having that as a purpose statement for your church or a church you are seeking to find. The true calling of all Christian churches, everywhere, is to make known the "manifold wisdom of God." The purpose of the church is to be the family of God here on earth, showing God's love and spreading the good news of God's kingdom everywhere, for His glory.
Today, our churches must shy away from becoming what man wants it to be. It's not to be a closed club for a certain group of obedient people, it should be open to people everywhere, so all can hear the call to receive Jesus. Some have described it this way - the church should be a mirror of the Son of God through his Spirit. Out of the entire human race, it should gather, protect, and preserve for him a community chosen for eternal life united in faith.
Through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known … (Ephesians 3:10).
Let's Pray
Yahweh, thank you for your wisdom revealed in Jesus Christ and for gathering to yourself a community chosen for eternal life. Father, I'm glad I am a part of your family. Lord Help your people to be united in true faith and love for all, in Jesus's name. Amen.