Gemeentebou : 'n reformatoriese bediening

Abstract

Building up the local church is not simplistic. It is a comprehensive ministry. The challenge is to return the ministry to the people of God and to equip them to be faithful as God's representatives in this world. Any local body of believers is called to seek the coming of the Kingdom of God within its own context and in this world. This is our (the body of believers, including the offices) calling - not only to seek the coming of the Kingdom but also to be a showcase of and for the Kingdom. There is, however, often a disturbing discrepancy between the so-called defined and empirical subjects when it comes to any given local church. The academic discipline as well as the ministry of building up the local church has everything to do with helping the local church to become what it is supposed to be. In this sense it is nothing less than a ministry of reformation - facilitating, guiding, equipping believers to become in an increasing way who they already are in Christ.