Random Thoughts - 6

?Who is the church for?
That's a pretty normal question in church circles. In seminary circles especially. Different Pastors have different views. I read Mark Driscoll say that the church exists for the member's who aren't there yet. I hear Rob Bell say that the church is for the oppressed. I hear Greg Surratt say the church is for the development of fully devoted followers of Christ. I hear (this morning) that the Church should be involved in meeting the needs of it's followers. So what is the answer?
It usually boils down to whether a church exists for seekers or for followers or for outreach. Is the church there to' save' people, and bring in 'new' christians? Is the church there to disciple the already-there people? Is the church there to be the light of the world, to bring hope to the hopeless?
So let's ask the question. Who owns the church?
As I've been reflecting on this, the answer is this - the church is for all of them. But none of them own it.
It's certainly for the people who aren't there yet. It's definitely for the the people who are there. And it's for the people who would never have the opportunity to be there.
But it's not.
None of these groups have the corner on 'owning' the church.
God owns the church.
And the church exists for God.
The other people matter to the extent that they matter to God.
Just something to think about.