For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.  -- 2 COR 4:5

There can be only one purpose for a Church, to follow the marching orders of her Lord:

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." - Matthew 28:19-20

  • "Go" We are to be going, active, not sitting still
  • "Teach" [matheteuo] To instruct
  • "All nations" [ethnos] Without ethnic distinction
  • 'Baptizing" [baptizo] To immerse, dip or submerge in water
  • "Them" All who believe
  • "In the name of" [onoma] By the authority of
  • "The Father, Son, Holy Ghost," The One true God manifested in the tri-unity of His sacred Persons
  • "Teaching"[didasko] Indoctrinating, teaching doctrine
  • "Them to observe" [tereo] To carefully watch and hold fast
  • "All things whatsoever I have commanded you." All the will of Christ as revealed in the holy Scriptures.