The Purpose, Task, and Rule of the Church

-The purpose of the Church is the glory of God (Eph 1:6; 5:27)
-The task of the Church is evangelization - making disciples (Matt 28:19,20)
-The rule of the Church is love - the command to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves, which is true piety and religion (Matt 22:37-40; James 1:27).

The purpose will be fulfilled, the task will be completed, but the rule of love will abide forever.

The purpose must not be confused with the task. The task must not be confused with the rule. The Great Commission is to preach the goodnews to all people. The Great Commandment is to love God with our entire being and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Social justice, liberation, mercy, and caring for the poor is an expression of who we are; salvation of souls, spiritual transformation, and discipleship is the reason why we are here on earth.