The Church: An Already/Not Yet People

The Church: An Already/Not Yet People
Sept. 5-Oct. 10, 2021

What is a church good for? Why did God decide the world that God loves needs a church? Well, there are several responses to such questions. A few centuries ago, the Presbyterian Church identified some grand purposes to describe what the church is for. These purposes are called the “Great Ends of the Church.” There are six Great Ends. They describe the life of the church as it is, at least to a point. But they also are aspirational and describe what the church should be. In that sense, they describe the church as it already is, while at the same time, they describe the church as it has yet to become. Beginning Sept. 5, Rev. Are will explore each of these ancient statements. They are hopeful. They are challenging. They are relevant, perhaps more relevant today than they were when they were drafted centuries ago. Of course, these were written in language that sounds more like Thomas Jefferson than the way we talk today; but there is still wisdom to be found in these old words. And when the church chooses to live toward these Great Ends or Great Purposes, there may be no place you would rather be than among these already/not yet people.

Sept. 5 The Proclamation of the Gospel for the Salvation of Humankind - Rev. Tom Are
Sept. 12 The Shelter, Nurture and Spiritual Fellowship of the Children of God - Rev. Tom Are
Sept. 19 The Maintenance of Divine Worship - Rev. Tom Are
Sept. 26 The Preservation of the Truth - Rev. Tom Are
Oct. 3 The Exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the World - Rev. Tom Are
Oct. 10 The Promotion of Social Righteousness - Rev. Tom Are