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Churches today often struggle to clearly communicate their purpose to their communities. While most organizations have clear missions, churches can seem to lack focus or compete with one another unnecessarily. Looking at Philippians 1:1-11, we find important insights about the true mission of every church.

What is the Real Purpose of a Church?

Rather than being an escape from the world, churches are meant to be outposts where heaven makes inroads into this world. They serve as bases for bringing the benefits of Christ to transform communities - like outposts with hospitals built in.

Three Key Elements of Paul's Prayer for the Church

  1. Gratitude for Active Partnership

    1. Recognizing real partnership in living out the gospel

    2. Experiencing God's presence, pardon, and power

    3. Participating in Jesus' ministry and mission

  2. Confidence in God's Continued Work

    1. Trust that God will mature and complete what He began

    2. Progressive improvement toward Christ-likeness

    3. Growth in both individual faith and collective mission

  3. Prayer for Increasing Love and Discernment

    1. Growth in love with knowledge and insight

    2. Development of transformed character

    3. Bearing fruit that glorifies God

How Should We Pray for Different Groups in the Church?

Paul's model can be applied to pray for:

  1. Church Leaders (Overseers and Deacons)

    1. Maintain focus on being an outpost with a hospital

    2. Keep character aligned with gifts

    3. Stay true to Christ's mission

  2. Church Members

    1. Increase in love and wisdom

    2. Avoid mere survival mentality

    3. Maintain connection between beliefs and practices

  3. The Neighborhood

    1. Defense and confirmation of the gospel

    2. Preparation for reaching broken people

    3. Maintaining unity with other churches

  4. Ministry Partners

    1. Joy in partnership

    2. Maintained connections

    3. Clear communication of purpose

Life Application

This week, choose one of these four groups and commit to praying for them using Paul's three-part prayer model:

  • Express gratitude for their gospel partnership

  • Voice confidence in God's continuing work

  • Make specific requests for their growth and effectiveness

Questions to Consider:

  • Which group will you commit to pray for this week?

  • How can you help your church maintain its focus as an outpost of hope rather than an escape from the world?

  • In what ways can you personally contribute to your church's mission of bringing Christ's transformation to your community?