Never Devalue the Value of Two

A mission-driven ministry never devalues the church, no matter its size. While the angels rejoice when one person is redeemed, Christ himself is present even in the smallest church. When two individuals meet together to mutually encourage one another, they become the local manifestation of the universal church. A church is not determined by the size of the building, the variety of programs, or the number of individuals on staff. The church encompasses believers mutually encouraging one another in the faith and advancing Christ’s kingdom in their sphere of influence. A church of just two people is so important to Christ that he is personally present when they gather (Matthew 18:20). What determines the vitality of the church is the presence of Christ and the mission it has to reach its community with the gospel. If the value of one person is essential in developing our soteriology and missiology, then the value of two is essential in forming our ecclesiology.

The task of the Great Commission is not to take the gospel to people and then have them travel to a centralized church. The great commission is to advance the church and the kingdom of God by establishing churches in every place where people have embraced the gospel. The church can still be the church without structure, but the church cannot be the church without presence. Every church, no matter the size, is infinitely valuable in the sight of God, for a church of only two individuals is still the bride of Christ and loved by him.  This is what determines the sustainability and importance of the church.  When Christ is present there is no insignificant church.  Even a church of two.

If all we do is reach one individual, if all we do is plant one church with two individuals in attendance, then it is worth the risk, the challenge, and the cost. What is the value of each individual? What is the value of the smallest church? In the sight of God, their value is infinite.