is a church for the saved, or for the lost?

Question

in response to "should we allow gays in army/ pastoral/ priest/ roles"

Answer 1

It's for the sheep to be sheered.

Answer 2

The Church (a fellowship of Christian believers) is for both the lost and the saved. For the lost it is a place where they should feel welcomed, not condemned for their bad decisions, or sins; a sanctuary. The Church should welcome everyone with open arms; where else are they going to hear the life changing, soul winning gospel of Jesus Christ? For the saved person, Church should be like a pep-rally or family reunion. A place where we can enter fellowship with other believers and with God through Jesus Christ; a place where we can recharge our spiritual batteries, share in our victories and pray for strength when we feel defeated. A Church is not limited to four walls, nor does God live in a man-made box...people are the Church, and serving God is the purpose; what better way to serve God than by bringing someone into a loving relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ? I hope this helped. Chris

Answer 3

The church is a place for both. For the believers to gather together and worship. It is also for the lost to come and here the word of God. All should be welcome. As far as having leadership roles in the Church no. The leadership of the Church should be only people who are committed to God and his Word. How would the Church survive and the Word spread if it was lead by people who were not committed to it?

Answer 4

Both.

Why would allowing gay people in the army be a problem?

But in chruches, just like you don't want an unrepentant adulterer in a church leadership role, you don't want an unrepentant gay person.

But of course churches should allow gay people as members, just as they allow everyone else... just not leadership roles.

Answer 5

They're centres for the manufacturing of fodder for the Xian machine.

Re gays: I just can't understand Xian and Muslim pre-occupation with sex.
As pleasant as I find the act, it's only a procreation and or pleasure system and basically no different to eating and or scratching an itch.

Answer 6

The "Saved" is the church...Buildings are for corporate worship,fellowship,misistry of spiritual gifts and the hearing of the Word of God as it is ministered...It is also a beacon of light,for those who are seeking God and wish to know him,by communing with those who do. All are welcome in the house of God but there is an order and all must be in submission to God's sovereinly placed authority over the local gathering of saints.

Answer 7

The Church is a hospital for the ill, a hostel for the weary, a shelter for the lost and a school for the seekers.

Answer 8

A church is place for the lost to be saved and a place for the saved to have fellowship with God and their fellow brother and sisters.

Answer 9

It is to bolster your faith and to continue to learn what Jesus's messages were. Many people believe in the message, but not the man as Savior. Once you truly understand Jesus's messages of learning, tolerance, forgiveness and kindness,etc.they should be practiced in your life. Some of us feel the need for Church once a week, some do not. Read the book "Anna"...her thinking (she was a child) is that once you know what Jesus wanted, going back to Church is not necessary..you should simply go out and live your life as he taught.

Answer 10

The church IS the saved.

Answer 11

Church is for the saved and the lost, and those who want to be closer to God.