The three-fold purpose of Vallejo International, reviewed the past three weeks are: exalt God in every area of life, empower believers to become faithful disciples, and engage the unchurched with the gospel. To fulfill this purpose, certain functions must be in place and operational. From Scripture we can discern at least six church functions that can provide the structure through which the purpose may be achieved: Proclamation, Outreach, Worship, Education, Relationship, and Stewardship. As a tool for remembering these functions, we have devised the acronym P.O.W.E.R.S.
Proclamation is the verbal testimony to the truth of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ, whether by preaching or in personal conversation. (Colossians 1.28)
Outreach is the same testimony by means of actions that demonstrate the truth of the gospel, showing God’s love to the world, meeting needs in the name of Christ. (James 1.27)
Worship is the practice of giving God the honor and praise that belongs only to him. The basic church activity is the gathering together to praise and to pray to God (Psalm 95.6; John 4.23)
Education is the intentional process of grounding lives in the Word, wherein disciples develop a proper understanding of Scripture and the fitting application of God’s Word in all of their lives. (Ephesians 4.11-15)
Relationship is the practice of true Christian community, upholding and applying Christian values and virtues, encouraging one another in the faith. (Hebrews 10.24-25)
Stewardship is the responsible use of all the resources that God entrusts to the church—finances, buildings and equipment, personal skills and talents—to fulfill God’s purposes (1 Corinthians 4.2; 1 Peter 4.10)
Perhaps it is a happy coincidence that the functions of Worship and Education are at the center of the acronym. In many ways these two functions are foundational to the life and ministry of the church. The central focus of everything that the church stands for is the worship of God. Only that which honors God is worth the attention and effort of the church. The primary guide for Christian living and ministry is the Bible. The church must provide every opportunity for training in Christian living and service that is defined by the truths of Scripture.
And as a church builds its ministries on its devotion to God and its commitment to his Word, it will become a church functioning to fulfill the reason for existence.
—Keith Y. Jainga