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The Importance of the Worldwide Church
Across the world there are estimated to be 2.38 billion Christians. In the UK, 33 million people identify as Christians, albeit the actual figure of church attenders is significantly lower than this.*
Christians, wherever they are in the world, share the same core beliefs about God. They believe that he created the world, and in the Trinity: God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. And that God sent his Son to earth in human form, so that all can have salvation through his death and resurrection.
In some ways Christians see themselves as 'related' to other Christians, having brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world. This is one of the main reasons the worldwide Church is important to Christians.
Other reasons for its importance include:
- It gives support to Christians across the world when they are facing persecution or crisis.
- Christian unity is promoted through a sense of belonging due to sharing the same core beliefs.
- It promotes a global sense of identity.
- It gives opportunities for Christians to follow teachings in the Bible, helping and supporting others.
Christian Teaching
'Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs;love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail.' 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Christians believe in agape love; unconditional, sacrificial love. This is the kind of love God has for all people, and the Bible teaches about its importance. Because of this, Christians place great emphasis on being kind and loving to all regardless of where in the world they live.
However, they seek to especially care for fellow Christians in the worldwide Church because Jesus taught them to do so. He said that this love would show others that they were true followers of Christ.
"And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35
*Figures taken from the World Population Review website.