Why Do Churches Exist?-Featured Roseville Blog

At our church () we've been working through our latest message series which we entitled: "FWD: Church".

In this series we've been unpacking why the church was created and what's its intention. You see, the challenge we face is when we mention the word "church" people get all kinds of impressions. Some picture a childhood experience (some good, some less than good), others rich religious liturgy, others a building and the list goes on. And every church seems to have its own flavor, styles and feel.

But what if we could cut through all that? What if we could go back to the original design and discover what was intended? That has been the goal of our 4 weeks series (which you can now watch online at http://extendgrace.org/media.php ).

But to summarize a few of our key learnings...God has a mission, a mission to share life and salvation with all mankind. You see, it's quite clear the world and people are broken. We face pain, emptiness and even the best versions of us are flawed and selfish at times.

This was not God's design, in fact our brokenness is because of something the Bible calls "sin". But God sent His Son, Jesus to die for our sin and he rose (came back to life) from the dead conquering sin and conquering death--proving He was/is who He said He is.

The Bible is clear that a personal response to this news is required for a person to be right with God and on a path to an eternity with God (meaning it doesn't just happen if you're a good person). Ok, ok -- I'm getting to the part about the church --- here's the thing -- God has this message, this amazing news that we all can have life (by placing our trust, dependence and faith in what Jesus did for us) and how does He get the word out? How does He help people grow and connect? Enter: the church.

The Church is God's intended vehicle for His amazing message of life. The problem is many churches have often drifted far from this mission and have settled for lesser "missions" of their own success, influence, or simply becoming a religious "club" to attend with goods and services to benefit others.

In most cases I don't think was done intentionally, but over time the mission has been hidden, replaced or lost. But the Church was always intended to be God's vehicle/ messenger.

The other thing that some struggle with is how messed up the Church (in America/ culture) has been. And looking around our church, I'll be the first to say, we are far from perfect - in fact one of our mantras has been "no perfect people are allowed here". We are all in process.

So while I know there have been horrific things in churches throughout history, and there has been serious pride and arrogance. I do believe there are churches that are honest about their flaws and serious about their message/ mission.

The other important thing we talked about is that Jesus Himself said that the thing that will separate a church and a follower of Jesus from any other organization or person in the world is our love. Unfortunately, in our culture/ among our media the Church has become known for lots of things, other than the one thing Jesus wanted us to be known for: love!

At Grace Church Roseville, we are learning a ton about this and while we're far from perfect, we're wanting to move towards love through connecting with one another at the church, but also through acts of service and kindness to the community outside through handing out free water bottles to State Fair goers, to weeding and mulching at Roseville Parks, to serving among the elderly and really serving in whatever ways we can.

I say this not in a boastful way, but more to say, we're trying. We're seriously making effort to become a church that is about God's original design and known for the things God intends us to be known for. Yet through it all to know that our highest calling is this amazing, transformational message that we call "The Gospel" (which means good news).

There is great hope! As more and more churches throughout the Twin Cities and really our country, begin embracing God's design and moving towards what He intends. There is great potential for the Church to be restored as the hope for a world seeking purpose, direction and life. I refuse to give up or settle, but to press hard towards what could be, we'd love to have you join us!

Grace Church Roseville is located right down the street from Rosedale Mall, Roseville Library and right next to Roseville High School (we're on the corner of Hamline and B2). Our current Sunday services meet at 9 or 10:45 a.m. (identical services with lively music, casual atmosphere, Biblicaly solid messages and a fun group of people). More information at http://www.extendgrace.org