Misguided Expectations

In the early 1900’s the mission of public schools was very clear and concise.  Public schools existed to teach children (primarily boys) reading, writing and arithmetic.  Schools were on a mission to prepare children for the work force.  Over the years, the mission of public schools has been altered dramatically.  More and more responsibility has been dumped on educators.  Schools are now expected to teach children the core subjects plus sexual education, physical education, drivers education, drug education, etc., etc.  Many parents now expect schools to “raise” their children.  I visited with a teacher who was struggling with the behavior of one of her students.  The teacher called the student’s mom expecting help and support.  When the teacher explained her struggle to the mother she responded with the following, “Why are you calling me?  I’ve dealt with him all summer.  Now it’s your turn.”  This parent had unrealistic expectations for the school.

I often wonder if Christians have unexpected and misguided expectations for the church.  Why does the church exist?  The purpose of the church is described in the pages of God’s Word.  God wants us and needs us to fulfill our ministry which includes:

1. Evangelism—Read Matthew 28:19.  We exist to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
2. Discipleship—Matthew 28:20 describes our purpose to continue to teach new Christians.
3. Service—Jesus describes His mission in Mark 10:43-45.  We are to serve others the way Jesus served us.
4. Fellowship—God knows we need a place to belong.  Take a look at Ephesians 2:19.  You belong to God’s household.  We are a family.  We need to be there for each other.
5. Worship—Jesus lays out God’s plan for our worship in John 4:23-24.  We must worship God in spirit.  We must worship God in truth.

This is our mission.  Our lives should be about fulfilling our purpose as Christians.  At the heart of our mission is going and making disciples.  Are we fulfilling our mission?  What expectations do have for the church?  Is it consistent with God’s plan?  Many churches today are internally focused.  This is an area where the church has become unbalanced.  We need to minister to other Christians.  We should strive to continue to teach each other and encourage each other and support each other.  We must also have an external focus.  We need to look upward as we reach outward and grow inward.  Remember our mission as the Lord’s church.  We exist to bring others to Christ!