A Ministry with a Sense of Purpose and Direction
(Romans 11:33 - 12:18)

A church needs to understand what it really is and why it is here. The following Scriptures will help us understand: Acts 2:41-48; Ephesians 1:12-23; 2:22; 3:21; 4:1-16; I Timothy 3:14-15. Below is a diagram, showing the basic directions in which a church should move. It is not enough that a church should specialize in only one, two or three of these directions. All four must be pursued simultaneously.

h Up-Reach
The church needs to corporately reach up to God in worship, praise and prayer.

i Down-Reach
The church needs to listen to God' Spirit through God's Word.

g In-Reach
The church needs to minister to itself through fellowship, encouragement, practical help and training.

n Out-Reach
The church needs to minister to those outside of the church through evangelism and missions.