The Role of the Church - Church Growth

This section explores the role of the church and church growth. The growth of the Church is a central focus for many Christian communities around the world. Christians believe that spreading the message of Jesus is an important mission, and as a result, the Church often works to reach new people, offer aid, and promote justice through various means, including charity work, missionary efforts, and evangelism.

Charity and Humanitarian Work

Christian charities play a significant role in the growth and outreach of the Church, both locally and globally. These organisations embody the Christian principles of compassion, generosity, and service, striving to make a positive impact on communities through emergency aid and long-term development projects. Many Christian charities raise funds through donations and campaigns, using media to highlight important causes and increase awareness. Here are three notable examples:

CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development)

CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. It works to fight poverty and injustice around the world, particularly in developing countries. CAFOD responds to crises caused by natural disasters and aims to empower local communities by providing them with the tools, resources, and skills to improve their own lives. In doing so, the charity seeks to foster long-term sustainability, helping people help themselves.

Christian Aid

Christian Aid was founded after World War Two to support refugees in Europe. Today, it operates in disaster zones across the globe, providing vital assistance to people affected by conflict, famine, and poverty. The charity’s annual Christian Aid Week encourages households in the UK to raise money to support its ongoing projects. Christian Aid works alongside local communities to provide both immediate relief and sustainable development, ensuring that local people are actively involved in improving their situation.

Tearfund

Tearfund is an evangelical Christian organisation that focuses on ending hunger and providing aid to refugees worldwide. Tearfund not only provides emergency relief but also focuses on the spiritual well-being of individuals, addressing both physical and emotional needs. The charity’s commitment to evangelism is reflected in its approach, as it has established over 67,000 churches globally. Tearfund also encourages young people from Christian communities to participate in missionary work, especially by volunteering on international projects.

Mission

Mission refers to the Christian duty of spreading the Gospel message and sharing the teachings of Jesus Christ with others. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus instructed His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. He told them to baptise people and teach them His ways. This command has inspired generations of missionaries to travel to different parts of the world, often engaging in activities such as preaching, helping with development projects, and providing aid to those in need. The goal is not only to spread the message of Christianity but also to bring about social justice and improve the lives of people.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
— Matthew 28:19

Christianity has experienced a slow but steady growth in Europe, where it has long been the dominant religion. However, the spread of Christianity in other parts of the world, particularly in South America and Africa, has been more rapid. Missionaries in these regions often work for social justice, setting up schools, hospitals, and churches. Their work is seen not only as a spiritual mission but as a means of addressing the social, economic, and political issues that affect these communities.

Evangelism

Evangelism refers specifically to the act of spreading the Christian faith and seeking to convert others to Christianity. This can be done in various ways, but the primary goal is to share the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Evangelism is often carried out alongside missionary work, as both share the goal of spreading the Gospel and making disciples.

Some Christians believe that evangelism is a vital part of their faith and calling. They feel a responsibility to help others discover their true purpose in life through Christianity. Evangelism can take many forms, from direct preaching to more subtle approaches, such as acts of kindness and service.

An example of a Christian organisation that engages in evangelism through indirect means is Gideons International. This group of evangelical Christians distributes copies of the Bible to hotels, hospitals, and other public spaces in the UK and around the world. By providing free access to the scriptures, Gideons International hopes to inspire people to learn more about God’s word and embrace the Christian faith.

The Church’s Global Impact

The growth of the Church, both in terms of numbers and influence, is not only measured by the number of new converts but also by its ability to make a meaningful difference in society. Through charity, mission, and evangelism, the Church continues to be a powerful force for change. Christian organisations like CAFOD, Christian Aid, and Tearfund are just a few examples of the many charities that help spread the message of love, compassion, and justice across the globe. In doing so, they foster a deeper connection with God and a sense of Christian unity, regardless of geographical location or cultural background.