The Three Important Functions of the Church: Evangelism, Edification, and Benevolence

The church of the living God is not an institution invented by man, but a divine body composed of the redeemed. It is not governed by cultural trends or man’s opinions, but by the will of God revealed in Scripture. The church has been called out of darkness into marvelous light, not simply for personal salvation but for divine service. It exists not to entertain, accumulate wealth, or chase worldly relevance, but to fulfill the purposes of God in the world. These purposes are clearly laid out in the New Testament. While many things may be associated with the church, three functions rise above all others as essential and non-negotiable: evangelism, edification, and benevolence. Each is distinct, yet interwoven, forming the framework of a faithful and fruitful congregation. If any of these are neglected or replaced, the church loses sight of its divine identity and calling.

Evangelism is the first and most urgent function of the church. The church exists in part to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. This is not an option or a tradition but a command from the risen Lord Himself. Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). The early church understood this command not as a metaphor, but as a marching order. In Acts, we see the apostles and disciples driven by a singular mission to proclaim Christ crucified and risen. Whether in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, or to the ends of the earth, the gospel went forth with clarity, boldness, and urgency. Paul declared in Romans 1:16 that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. It alone has the power to save souls from eternal wrath and transfer them into the kingdom of Christ. No other message, method, or movement can accomplish this. Therefore, the church must prioritize preaching the Word, not opinions, not entertainment, not social causes, but Christ and Him crucified.

True evangelism is centered on the truth of the gospel, not on man’s creativity or pragmatism. The New Testament pattern was not to create religious spectacles but to reason from the Scriptures, persuade the hearers, and call them to repentance and baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38, Acts 8:12, Acts 18:4). Evangelism is not marketing. It is not emotional manipulation. It is the faithful communication of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). It is lovingly confronting sinners with their sin and pointing them to the cross where Christ bore their sin and shame. Every member of the church is a participant in this mission. While not all are preachers in pulpits, all are called to shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life (Philippians 2:15–16). The church must never lose sight of this great commission. When evangelism is sidelined, the church ceases to function as the body of Christ and becomes a social club rather than a soul-saving institution.

Edification is the second great function of the church, and it speaks to the inward work of building up the body of Christ. While evangelism looks outward to the world, edification looks inward to the saints. Paul told the Corinthians that all things in the assembly should be done for edification (1 Corinthians 14:26). The term means to strengthen, to build up, to encourage toward maturity in Christ. The church is not a gathering of the perfect, but of those who are being perfected. Spiritual growth is not automatic. It requires instruction, encouragement, correction, and accountability. The church provides the spiritual environment where this growth can take place through the teaching of sound doctrine, mutual encouragement, and godly leadership.

The Word of God is the primary instrument of edification. Paul commended the Ephesian elders to “God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up” (Acts 20:32). The Scriptures equip the saints for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Preaching and teaching are not entertainment or motivational speeches but serious and soul-shaping labors. The church must demand sound doctrine and reject the ear-tickling trends that have hollowed out so many pulpits today (2 Timothy 4:2–4). Furthermore, edification happens not just from the pulpit but in the pews. Ephesians 4:11–16 shows that every member has a role in building up the body in love. Christians encourage one another, bear each other’s burdens, stir up one another to love and good works, and speak truth to one another in love. When the saints are grounded in truth and active in love, the church is strengthened, stable, and mature.

Edification also includes the spiritual oversight provided by faithful shepherds. Elders are charged to feed the flock, protect them from wolves, and lead by example (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1–3). Without sound leadership, the church becomes vulnerable to division, error, and spiritual stagnation. Deacons serve by handling practical needs that free up others to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word. When these roles function biblically, the church is equipped for sustained spiritual growth and health. A well-taught, well-fed, and spiritually mature congregation brings glory to God and reflects the character of Christ to a watching world.

Benevolence is the third core function of the church and refers to the compassionate care shown to those in need, especially among the household of faith. While the church is not a political relief agency or a substitute for family responsibilities, it does have a biblical mandate to relieve suffering and show mercy where it is needed. Acts 4:32–35 records how the early church shared with those in need so that none lacked anything. This generosity was not socialism or coercion, but willing sacrifice prompted by brotherly love. Paul organized collections for the poor saints in Jerusalem, urging the Corinthians and others to give freely and cheerfully (1 Corinthians 16:1–2, 2 Corinthians 8–9). Benevolence in the church is not just emotional giving but thoughtful, deliberate, and biblically directed generosity.

While the church’s benevolence should first focus on its own members (Galatians 6:10), it is not confined to them. Acts of kindness and mercy toward outsiders serve as a testimony to the love of Christ. The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates that true love sees suffering and moves to relieve it, even across cultural and social lines (Luke 10:30–37). However, the church must never confuse humanitarianism with its spiritual mission. Meeting physical needs must never replace the preaching of the gospel or the edification of the saints. Benevolence is a means to show the love of Christ and to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior, but it is not the sum of the church’s identity. It is a fruit of faith, not its foundation.

True biblical benevolence is also marked by discernment. Paul instructed that those who do not work should not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10), and that widows who have family should be supported by their families, not the church (1 Timothy 5:3–16). This prevents abuse and ensures that limited resources are used for those truly in need. The goal is not to create dependency but to extend temporary relief while encouraging spiritual growth and personal responsibility.

When evangelism, edification, and benevolence function together as God designed, the church flourishes in purpose and purity. Each function complements the others. Evangelism brings souls into the body. Edification grows them into the likeness of Christ. Benevolence expresses the love of Christ in tangible form. Together, they form a healthy, active, and Christ-centered church.

When any one of these is elevated above the others or neglected altogether, imbalance and dysfunction follow. Some churches today emphasize benevolence to the neglect of teaching. Others focus heavily on internal edification and neglect the lost world around them. Still others prioritize evangelism but leave converts spiritually malnourished. The New Testament provides a complete and balanced model, and it is the responsibility of every congregation to return to that pattern with conviction and clarity.

God has not left the church to wander aimlessly or to invent its own mission. The blueprint is clear. Preach the gospel. Build up the saints. Care for the needy. These are not suggestions, but divine directives. They are not burdens, but blessings. They define what it means to be the body of Christ on earth. As Paul said, “Let all things be done for edification” (1 Corinthians 14:26), and as Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). May the church be faithful in all things, unashamed in its proclamation, unwavering in its teaching, and generous in its compassion, to the glory of God and the salvation of souls.