Purpose of the Church
Greencastle Church of God is now well into its 37th year. How things have changed. The purpose and mission of the church hasn’t changed. Our purpose is to help humanity to prepare for Eternity. God created the heaven and the earth for His glory in eternity. He did not reveal when it took place or how lang ago. Genesis 1:1 tells us that, “In the beginning God created the heaven and earth.”
Some say that the earth is 6000 years old. When you study the Scriptures in depth, you discover references that reveal an eternity past. Genesis 1:2 says, “And the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep. “And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the deep.”
In 2 Peter 3:4-7, a question is asked, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation. For this they are willingly ignorant of, that by the Word of God, the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished. But the heavens and the earth which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” These references are an indication that the earth was in existence before Genesis 1:1.
To make a long story short, Genesis 1:2 is an indication that God recreated the earth after destroying the creation in eternity past (stone age) because of the wickedness and corruption. Everything was destroyed. In the recreation, God brought back the dry ground and created man in His own image out of the dust of the earth. He then took a rib out of Adam’s side and made woman as man’s help mate. Humanity rebelled against God again, and God sent another flood and destroyed all flesh except 8 souls; Noah and his family along with all the animals, birds, etc.
God’s plan was to save as many souls as would believe and accept Him. He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for the sin, rebellion, and corruption of mankind.
The mission of the church is to teach God’s plan of redemption to the population of the earth. As a whole our world is in rebellion against God and His plan and kingdom. It is bringing judgment upon the earth. God’s Word, the Bible, very clearly tells us that God does not judge the righteous with the wicked. He does not want one single person to perish regardless of race, color, or creed or nationality.
Mission & Vision of the Church of God
Mission
The mission of the Church of God is to communicate the full gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20), in the Spirit and power of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4, 6, 13-18).
Vision
Our vision arises from our understanding of what the sovereign God purposes to do for and through His church. The Great Commission remains our mandate from Jesus Christ.
- A movement committed to the authority of Holy Scripture for faith and direction.
- A fellowship whose worship brings God’s power into the life of the church and extends that power through the lives of believers into the marketplace of life.
- A body that is directed by the Spirit, fully understanding that baptism in the Holy Spirit is both a personal blessing and an endowment of power for witness and service in fulfilling the Great Commission.
- A people who hunger for God, experience the presence of God, and stand in awe of His holiness as He changes believers into conformity with Christ.
- A New Testament church which focuses on the local congregation where the pastor nurtures and leads all members to exercise spiritual gifts in ministry.
- A church who loves all people and stands opposed to any action or policy that discriminates against any group or individual because of race, color, or nationality.
- A movement that evidences love and concern for the hurts and loneliness of the unsaved through aggressive evangelistic, discipling, and nurturing ministries.
- A church that is a Christ-centered, people oriented, and need-sensitive in all its programs and ministries.
- A movement that promotes policies and ministries which reflect an open, sincere effort to remain relevant to each generation.