Introduction
At Masihi.Church, we believe that the Church is not merely an organisation but the living, active body of Christ, called to participate in God’s redemptive plan. The Church is commanded to worship God, proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and serve one another and the world in Christ’s name. Our mission is deeply rooted in Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit, ensuring that every aspect of our worship, fellowship, and service reflects the biblical model of the Church (Matthew 16:18).
The Church’s global mission is realised in the local congregation. At Masihi.Church, we embrace our role as an expression of the universal body of Christ, committed to biblical teaching, discipleship, and outreach. We gather in obedience to God’s Word, encouraging one another in faith (Hebrews 10:24-25), preaching the Gospel with boldness (Mark 16:15), and equipping believers to grow in Christ-likeness (Matthew 28:19-20). Our identity is shaped by our submission to Christ, who is the head of the Church, guiding us in truth and righteousness (Colossians 1:18).
Paul Washer and Voddie Baucham emphasise that the Church must remain biblically faithful in its mission, standing firm in a culture that often opposes biblical truth. Norman Geisler and Christopher J. H. Wright highlight the need for theological depth and holistic mission. At Masihi.Church, we take these insights seriously, ensuring that our ministry is firmly grounded in Scripture and the historic Christian faith.
Theological Implications
The Church’s calling is deeply theological, rooted in the Trinitarian nature of God. The Father establishes His Church, the Son redeems and leads His people, and the Holy Spirit empowers believers for worship, discipleship, and mission. This divine orchestration is central to our understanding of the Church’s purpose (Ephesians 4:4-6).
As a local congregation, Masihi.Church functions as both a gathered and sent community. We come together to worship, study God’s Word, and strengthen one another in faith (Acts 2:42-47), while also being commissioned to take the Gospel into the world (2 Corinthians 5:20). Voddie Baucham argues that the Church must resist cultural pressures that dilute biblical truth, maintaining doctrinal purity while actively engaging society. Our commitment at Masihi.Church is to ensure that discipleship remains central, forming believers who are deeply rooted in Scripture (2 Timothy 2:2).
True discipleship is more than conversion—it is lifelong spiritual growth. Paul Washer teaches that biblical discipleship requires intentional teaching and mentoring, not mere numerical expansion. At Masihi.Church, we invest in deep discipleship, training believers to follow Christ in every aspect of life. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we equip the Church to reflect Christ’s love, holiness, and truth (John 15:5).
Challenges and Responses
The Church’s mission does not go unchallenged. One of the greatest struggles today is the temptation to conform to societal norms at the cost of biblical truth. Many churches compromise sound doctrine for cultural acceptance, undermining the authority of Scripture (2 Timothy 4:3-4). At Masihi.Church, we stand firm in the conviction that God’s Word remains the ultimate standard for faith and practice, and we are committed to teaching sound doctrine, equipping believers to discern truth from error. Norman Geisler reminds us of the need for apologetics in defending biblical faith against compromise.
In the Indian context, the Church faces unique challenges. Christianity is often misunderstood as a foreign faith, and believers sometimes encounter opposition (John 15:18-20). Masihi.Church exists to strengthen the faith of believers by providing a strong biblical foundation, a loving community, and a place of worship where truth is proclaimed boldly. Dr. Sudhakar Pawar and Timothy Stephen highlight the importance of fostering resilient faith in a pluralistic society. Through our discipleship programs and community engagement, we prepare believers to stand firm in their faith while responding to opposition with wisdom and grace (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Another challenge is maintaining unity in the Church. The body of Christ is often hindered by divisions over doctrine, leadership, and cultural differences (1 Corinthians 1:10). The Bible calls for unity in love and truth (Ephesians 4:1-3), and at Masihi.Church, we work towards this through biblical reconciliation, servant leadership, and accountability. We prioritise gospel-centred relationships, recognising that the Church’s strength lies in its unity in Christ (Colossians 3:12-14).
The Indian Theological Context
The Church in India must navigate its mission with wisdom and faithfulness. Christianity in India has deep historical roots, yet it is often perceived as a Western influence. Christopher J. H. Wright advocates for contextual theology that upholds biblical integrity while engaging with local cultures. At Masihi.Church, we are committed to proclaiming Christ in a way that connects with Indian hearts while remaining firmly rooted in Scripture (1 Corinthians 9:22).
One of the significant aspects of the Indian Church’s calling is social engagement. Following Christ’s command to serve the least among us (Matthew 25:35-40), we actively participate in community transformation through The ASHA Project. Our mission integrates evangelism with acts of justice, mercy, and compassion, reflecting Christ’s love to those in need (Micah 6:8).
Interfaith dialogue is another area where the Indian Church must tread carefully. The call to share the Gospel requires both boldness and sensitivity (1 Peter 3:15). At Masihi.Church, we equip believers to be effective witnesses of Christ in a diverse society, standing firm in their faith while engaging in conversations with grace and wisdom (Acts 1:8).
Conclusion
The Church’s calling is a divine mandate to glorify God, proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and serve the world in Christ’s name. At Masihi.Church, we embrace this mission wholeheartedly, knowing that we are part of Christ’s body, empowered by the Spirit and anchored in His Word. The Church is not an institution but a movement of God’s people, called to transform lives and nations through the power of the Gospel (Matthew 16:18).
As we continue in this calling, we remain committed to faithful worship, deep discipleship, bold evangelism, and compassionate service. Through Christ, we are confident that the work we do for His kingdom is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). We press on with the hope that one day, Christ will return for His Church, His bride, and we will rejoice in His eternal presence (Revelation 19:7-8). Until that day, we remain faithful to the calling entrusted to us.
Scripture References:
- Matthew 28:18-20 – The Great Commission: Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations.
- Acts 1:8 – The power of the Holy Spirit enables believers to be Christ’s witnesses to the ends of the earth.
- Ephesians 4:11-13 – Christ gives leaders to the Church to equip the saints for ministry and build up the body of Christ.
- Romans 12:1-2 – Worship as a living sacrifice, transformed by the renewal of the mind.
- 2 Timothy 2:2 – Entrusting sound teaching to faithful men who will teach others.
- 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 – The Church as the body of Christ, with diverse members working together.
- Colossians 1:18 – Christ is the head of the body, the Church.
- Hebrews 10:24-25 – The importance of gathering together for encouragement.
- Matthew 22:37-39 – The greatest commandments: Love God and love your neighbour.
- John 13:34-35 – Jesus commands His disciples to love one another.
- Galatians 6:10 – Doing good to all, especially fellow believers.
- James 1:27 – True religion: caring for orphans and widows.
- 1 Peter 4:10 – Using spiritual gifts to serve one another.
- Mark 16:15 – The command to proclaim the Gospel to all creation.
- Romans 1:16 – The Gospel is the power of God for salvation.
- Philippians 2:1-4 – Encouragement to live in unity, humility, and selflessness.
- Acts 2:42-47 – The early Church’s devotion to teaching, fellowship, and prayer.
- 2 Corinthians 5:20 – Believers are ambassadors for Christ.
- 1 Peter 2:9 – The Church as a royal priesthood, called to proclaim God’s excellencies.
- Ephesians 2:19-22 – The Church as God’s household, built on Christ.
- Titus 2:11-14 – The grace of God trains believers to live godly lives.
- Matthew 25:31-46 – Serving the least among us is serving Christ Himself.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14 – Encouragement to admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, and help the weak.
- John 20:21 – Jesus sends His disciples just as the Father sent Him.
- Micah 6:8 – God’s call to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly.
- Psalm 96:3 – Declaring God’s glory among the nations.
- 1 Corinthians 3:9 – Believers as God’s fellow workers.
- Luke 10:2 – The need for labourers in God’s harvest.