The "church" can refer to a few different things, so let's break it down:
1. The Universal Church (The Body of Christ):
* Members: In this sense, the "church" refers to *all* people throughout the world and throughout history who have genuinely put their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. It's not limited to a specific denomination or building.
* What they do (Collectively):
* Glorify God: Through worship, praise, and living lives that reflect God's character.
* Spread the Gospel: Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others.
* Make Disciples: Helping new believers grow in their faith and become more like Christ.
* Serve Others: Meeting the needs of people in their communities and around the world, demonstrating God's love in practical ways.
* Bear Witness: Standing up for truth and justice in the world.
* Provide Fellowship: Supporting and encouraging one another in their faith journeys.
2. A Local Church Congregation:
* Members: Individuals who have chosen to associate with a particular local church. Requirements for membership vary by denomination and individual church (e.g., baptism, profession of faith, completion of membership classes).
* What they do (Individually and Collectively):
* Attend Services: Participate in worship, hear sermons, and receive communion (if applicable).
* Give Financially: Support the church's ministry through tithes and offerings.
* Serve in Ministries: Volunteer their time and talents in various roles, such as teaching Sunday school, leading worship, helping with youth groups, serving on committees, etc.
* Participate in Fellowship: Build relationships with other members through small groups, social events, and informal interactions.
* Pray for the Church: Pray for the leaders, members, and ministries of the church.
* Share their Faith: Invite friends and family to church and share their personal faith stories.
* Live out their faith in their daily lives: Apply Christian principles to their work, relationships, and decisions.
* Support the Church's Mission: Participate in outreach efforts to the local community and beyond.
3. Church Leadership:
* Members: Pastors/Priests/Ministers, Elders, Deacons, and other designated leaders. Specific roles and titles vary by denomination.
* What they do:
* Provide Spiritual Guidance: Preach sermons, teach Bible studies, offer pastoral care, and provide counseling.
* Oversee Church Operations: Manage finances, coordinate ministries, and ensure the smooth functioning of the church.
* Discern God's Will for the Church: Pray and seek God's direction for the church's future.
* Protect the Church: Guard against false teachings and harmful influences.
* Equip the Saints: Train and develop other members to use their gifts and talents in ministry.
* Discipline: Provide loving correction when members stray from biblical principles. (This is done with care and for the purpose of restoration).
* Represent the Church: Act as spokespersons for the church to the community and other organizations.
Important Considerations:
* Denominational Differences: Different Christian denominations (e.g., Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox) have different structures, beliefs, and practices.
* Individual Differences: Even within a single church, members will have different roles, responsibilities, and levels of involvement.
* The Importance of Faith: Being a "member" of a church in the formal sense doesn't necessarily mean someone is a member of the universal church. True membership in the Body of Christ is based on genuine faith in Jesus Christ.
In summary, the members of a church are its people, and what they do depends on their individual roles, the specific church they belong to, and their commitment to living out their faith. The overall purpose is to worship God, grow in faith, and share God's love with the world.