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In this section, I will expand in several key areas the concepts mentioned previously, with respect to worship and music ministry.
Definition
The understanding of any philosophy begins with implementing a vocabulary. In this discussion, we address the concept of the church. More generally known as the body of believers, the biblical conceptualization of the church is that it is a bridespecifically, that of Christ (Rev. 21:9).
Characteristics
The church is comprised of believers, and collectively and individually it is representative of Christ in his absence, empowered by the Spirit to do his work until he returns.
Purpose
In its characteristic requirement to represent Christ (and God by extension), three important issues should be addressed. First, the church's representative abilities are only possible as long as its memberscollectively and individuallymaintain a proper view of God. They must acknowledge Him as Lord, or the work of the church too easily slips to self-aggrandizement.5 Second, representation of God is a privilege and capacity for believers only. No one can represent someone they don't know. Third, the purpose of the church's representation of God is to do ministry in the world, both to God and to others. God is ministered to directly in acts of worship and all acts of service, both to him and to others; others are ministered to primarily in acts of service only.
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