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Church, para-church and christian ministry

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The Bible teaches that all believers in Jesus Christ are members of the Church. Church is thus comprised of members from all regions across many generations. But believers do gather for worship and fellowship at many local settings. This local congregation is what is known as visible church. In local church membership is open to all followers of Jesus Christ, so to speak.

Para-church organisations are set up by members of the Church to achieve specific objective. Bible society prints Bible; OM & ISPCK etc promote commentary and other literatures; Leprosy Mission & EHA etc are into healthcare; World Vision & EFICOR etc are into social service; YWAM & YFC etc are into youth ministry; IEM is into church planting ministry; RZIM & SAKSHI are into apologetics; CEF is into Children's ministry; and UESI is into university mission. All these kinds of para-church organisation exist to serve the church. But in para-church organisation "membership" is not open to all. For example, if someone wants to work with slum dwellers, OM or UESI is not the right platform for the person. Similarly, if the person wants to work with the students EFICOR or IEM is not really the right organisation. Instead of forcing the organisation to change vision, it's best that the individual joins some other appropriate organisation.

Do you think there is a need for para-church organisation at all? What do you think could be the distinctive contribution of para-church like UESI to the church in India? What is the difference between Youth ministry and student/university ministry?
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Panamberil Joseph said…
I believe there is the need for para-church organizations for connecting to build the kingdom of God. Note that Paul came across Aquila and Priscilla because they were in the same profession - tent making. Though there may not have been any formal network, I believe we can use it to build the kingdom of God. But para-church organizations cannot replace the local body of believers who have fellowship and work fo rthe Lord.
May 21, 2011 at 2:24 PM
Jeremiah A V Dumai said…
In Acts 6 we read of seven men being selected for 'daily distribution of food'. I think it is fair to read this as a beginning of para-church organisations.

I think ministry like UESI is supposed to help students see their academic learning through the lens of the Bible/theology.
May 21, 2011 at 8:56 PM
IlonaS said…
I agree to both comments! Student group is important
For Christian Students to
1. strengthen each other to live God honoring lives in University environment
2. pray for each other and universities, lectors, students..
3. cooperate together to influence universities for Christ - Christians form outside do not have such a big access to Universities to do so.

Universities bring education in practical skills and in worldly matters, it is so important to bring Christ into Universities!

Only, when students are in the fellowship, it is still becoming a pastoring job. Church is still needed.
October 26, 2011 at 2:58 PM
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