What is considered a Parachurch?

Answer 1

Parachurch organizations are vehicles by which evangelical Christians work collaboratively both outside of and across their denominations to engage with the world in mission, social welfare and evangelism.

Through many decentralized organizations, parachurch organizations function to bridge the gap between the church and culture. These are organizations "alongside" (Grk: para-) church structures, and often seek to be less institutional, however over time, with growth and success, and in response to environmental pressures they can become more institutional.

The City Missions illustrated the strategy of many related autonomous bodies, however in response to government and economic pressure some such as Mission Australia have become large nationwide bodies.

The model had been pioneered in the Second Great Awakening of the 19th century, but it was perfected in the second half of the 20th century.

These bodies can be businesses, non-profit corporations, and private associations. They generally operate within the broad movement of evangelicalism without sponsorship of any particular church or association of churches, while attempting to avoid encroaching on roles traditionally belonging to churches alone. They offer centralized efficiency of mission and operation to accomplish specialized ministry tasks that independent churches without denominational or associational strength are not able to accomplish on a larger national or international scale.

Parachurch organizations generally require members or staff to agree to an evangelical 'Statement of Faith' or creed. These statements are used to define an organization's biblical and doctrinal beliefs, convictions, and mission distinctives. Some statements are deliberately general in nature to allow for maximum outreach to community or culture. Others are more specific and constraining, potentially excluding those who would disagree, but defining the organization by those who agree with its beliefs.

Answer 2

I like the second answer, but the first is more correct. They are typcially a Christian ministry that ministers to people outside of a specific church. For instance, in our area we have a ministry that give clothing away to homeless people and provides them with food. They do hold worship services on Sundays, but they are not actually a "church". They don't have clergy/ministers, they have no membership, etc.

Answer 3

tends to be a ministry outside of the church. for example a christian bookstore.

Answer 4

a church that jumps out of airplanes ?