The Purpose and Pattern of the Church

What does it really mean to be the Church?

Speaker: Pastor Lee Cummings
Date: February 1, 2026

What does it truly mean to be the Church? Pastor Lee Cummings unpacks this in our new sermon series, The House and the Horizon, helping us understand our active role in what God is doing through His Church. Don’t miss it!

Here's a 5-day devotional guide based on this sermon:

Day 1: From Small Beginnings to Great Things

Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26–31

Devotional: God delights in using the small and insignificant to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Just as Jesus was born in humble Bethlehem and raised fishermen to be apostles, God often chooses what the world overlooks. Your circumstances, limitations, or perceived inadequacies do not disqualify you from God's calling. In fact, they position you perfectly for His glory to shine through. When God works through our weakness, no one can claim credit but Him. Today, reflect on areas where you feel inadequate. These may be exactly where God wants to display His power. Surrender your limitations to Him and watch Him build something beautiful from your willingness to say yes.

Day 2: Light in the Darkness

Reading: Isaiah 60:1–5

Devotional: Arise and shine—these are not suggestions but divine commands for God's people. While darkness covers the earth and deep spiritual blindness affects our generation, God's glory is meant to rise upon you. You are called to be radiant, reflecting His light in dark places. This isn't about your own brightness but about hosting His presence so powerfully that others are drawn to the light of Christ in you. The promise extends beyond personal blessing—nations and people will come to your light. Consider: What darkness surrounds your workplace, neighborhood, or family? You are strategically placed there as a light-bearer. Don't hide your light or diminish your calling. Let God's glory rest upon you and shine through you today.

Day 3: Every Member Matters

Reading: Ephesians 4:7–16

Devotional: The Church is not a spectator sport. You are not called to sit in the stands and watch professionals perform ministry while you consume. You are a vital member of Christ's body, uniquely gifted and purposefully positioned. Whether you feel like a pinky finger or a shoulder, the whole body suffers when you don't function in your calling. God has equipped you through apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—not so you remain dependent, but so you're trained for your own work of ministry. Stop comparing your calling to others or waiting for someone else to do what God has assigned to you. Ask the Holy Spirit today: What is my unique role in the body? Then step into it with confidence and faithfulness.

Day 4: Equipped for Purpose

Reading: 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Ephesians 4:11–13

Devotional: Jesus gave specific gifts to His Church—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—not as titles to impress but as tools to equip. These five-fold ministry gifts exist to train every believer for their individual calling while maturing the body corporately. You have both a personal assignment and a corporate responsibility. Maturity comes not from merely consuming teaching but from being equipped and then doing the work. The goal is unity in faith and Christlike maturity. Are you allowing yourself to be equipped, or are you resisting training? Growth requires humility to learn and courage to step out. Pursue equipping opportunities—whether through serving, Bible study, or mentorship—so you can fulfill your God-given purpose effectively.

Day 5: Beyond Your City Limits

Reading: Acts 13:1–3; Matthew 28:18–20

Devotional: The gospel you freely received must be freely given. Every church, including yours, is called not only to gather but to send—to multiply the message beyond its own walls. Some churches become apostolic bases, training and sending leaders to plant churches and impact nations. This isn't optional for the spiritually elite; it's the mandate for all believers. Your influence may extend to your neighborhood, your workplace, or literally to the nations. God may be calling you to support missions financially, to pray for unreached people groups, or even to go yourself. The Great Commission wasn't given only to the original disciples but to every generation of Christ-followers. How is God calling you to participate in multiplying His message? Don't limit God's vision for your life to your comfort zone. Ask Him today where He's sending you.