How would you describe the “culture” of the church? In other words how does the body of Christ see itself and its purpose? What do members really see as their mission? Coming to worship on Sundays? Maybe that along with making sure they are morally pure and respectful to those inside and outside the body of Christ?

Many Christians are aware that the church is to be about preparing souls for the Lord (see Col. 1:28; Lk. 19:10; Mt. 28:18-20). But how do we really create this kind of culture within the body of Christ?
1. Make sure the mission is clear. Isn’t that what Jesus did? Remember, He told Peter and Andrew as soon as He called them that He would make them “fishers of men” (Mt. 4:19). In three of the Gospel accounts Jesus concluded with giving what we generally call “The Great Commission” (see Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-49; see also Acts 1:8). The mission statement is not complicated, but simple and concise. This mission needs to be repeated, and repeated, and then repeated again!

2. Make sure the work of the church is focused. Sometimes the problem with the church is that it does too much, but is focused too little on the actual mission of the Lord. Paul said in Romans 10:14, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” They will not be saved without being taught! We need to stay focused!
3. Make sure the work of the church is tailored to and available to all. Every Christian and every congregation is different. The church must focus on giving members every opportunity to engage the mission of Christ. Resources and training need to be provided so that the body is “equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:17).
4. Make sure the church is working in a common direction. Any group of people can work frantically but yet accomplish little because there is no cooperative effort, or working together. In Ephesians 4 Paul discusses how the different parts of the body work in harmony with one another for the growth of the body (see verses 12-16 especially). (See also 1 Cor. 3:5-9.)
5. Make sure that all through the process we are praying to the Lord of the harvest! (See Mt. 9:35-38).

It would take but a few people embracing this culture to infect others. This culture will change the church and also eternity! Let’s work together with one another and with God to change eternity for precious souls!

Daren Schroeder