Wesleyan Reading (#12): The Church

WORSHIP LEADER: We believe that the Christian Church is the entire body of believers in Jesus Christ, who is the founder and only Head of the Church.

CONGREGATION: Christ is the head of the body, the Church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead. (Colossians 1:18)

WORSHIP LEADER: The Church includes all who have trusted in Christ; saints who now rest with Him, and saints who serve Him on the earth.

CONGREGATION: We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Let us run with endurance the race set before us. (Hebrews 12:1)

WORSHIP LEADER: We are those who have renounced the world, the flesh, and the devil, and have dedicated ourselves to the work Christ has given us.

CONGREGATION: You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession. (1 Peter 2:9)

WORSHIP LEADER: The Church on earth is called to proclaim the pure Word of God and to administer the sacraments as Christ commanded.

CONGREGATION: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19–20)

WORSHIP LEADER: We are to live in obedience to all that Christ commands, as a visible witness of His Kingdom on earth.

CONGREGATION: Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

WORSHIP LEADER: The local church is a body of believers, gathered and organized around the message of the gospel for the purpose of worship, discipleship, fellowship, nurture, and evangelism.

CONGREGATION: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42)

WORSHIP LEADER: Through the Church, Christ is building a people who will glorify Him in every generation and to the ends of the earth.

CONGREGATION: Now to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! (Ephesians 3:21)

EVERYONE: Amen.