26/10/2020
Five Kinds of Churches
Historically, churches have taken on five basic shapes, depending on which purpose they emphasize the most.
1. SOUL WINNING CHURCH.
If the pastor sees his primary role as an evangelist, then the church becomes a "soul winning church". this church's main goal is to save souls, it is always reaching out to the lost. terms likely to hear most often in this church is witnessing, evangelism, salvation, decisions for Christ, baptisms, visitation, alter calls, and crusades.
in a soul winning church, anything other than evangelism is relegated to a secondary role.
2. THE EXPERIENCING GOD CHURCH
If the pastor's passion and gifts lie in the area of worship, he will instinctively lead the church to become all "experiencing God" church. The focus of this church is on experiencing the presence and power of God in worship. Key term for this church are praise, prayer, worship, music, spiritual gift, spirit, power; and revival.
In this type of church, the worship service receives more attention
than anything else.
3. THE FAMILY REUNION CHURCH.
A church that focuses primarily on fellowship can be called the "family reunion" church
This church is shaped by the pastor who is highly relational, loves people, and spends most of his time caring for members.
He serves more as a chaplain than anything else. Key terms for this church are love, belonging, fellowship, caring, relationships, potlucks, small groups, and fun.
In the family reunion church, the gathering is more important than the goals.
4. THE CLASSROOM CHURCH
A "classroom" church occurs when the pastor sees his primary role as being a teacher. If teaching is his primary gift, he will emphasize preaching and teaching and de-emphasize the other tasks of the church. The pastor serves as the expert instructor and the members come to church with notebooks, takes notes and go home.
Key words for the classroom church are expository preaching, bible study, Greek and Hebrew, doctrine, knowledge, truth and discipleship. it is not strange for a classroom church to have the word "Bible" in its name.
5. THE SOCIAL CONSCIENCE CHURCH.
The pastor of the "social conscience" church sees his role as a prophet and reformer. This kind of church is out to change society. It is full of activists who are "doers of the word", and comes two in groups; the liberal side who focus on the injustice in society and the conservative side who tends to focus on the moral decline of the society.
important terms in this church are needs, serve, share, minister, take a stand, and do something.
SOME CHURCHES ARE A BLEND TWO OR MORE OF THESE "CHURCHES"
The healthy church should be a blend of all five "churches".
which type is your church?