Cedarville Magazine, Spring/Summer 2016

CRUCIAL ROLE The doctrine of the church has not held a priority position compared to other doctrines. The deity of Christ, justification by faith alone, the inerrancy of Scripture, and the atoning work of Christ are just a few examples of issues that are more tightly tethered to the realities of the Gospel. However, in spite of a lesser spotlight, the doctrine of the church is crucial. In fact, one should recognize that this doctrine, often referred to as ecclesiology, is connected to the doctrines of God and salvation and should be factored into our understanding of theology and redemptive history. The doctrine of the church is part and parcel of (1) the eternal purpose of God in redeeming His fallen human creatures; (2) the Father’s mighty work in regard to the exaltation of His humiliated and crucified Son; (3) the eternal divine counsel with regard to the revelation of Himself and His ways; and (4) prophetic Scripture that assigns an important role to the church in the outworking of salvation. As such, while ecclesiology may not be the doctrine that holds highest importance, it is a necessary area of study due to its close connection to other crucial doctrines (e.g., God, salvation). GLORIOUS MISSION More practically, we need the local church. She is the bride for whom Christ died (Eph. 5:25–27) and the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:12–26). The assembling of God’s people into local communities is crucial for the oversight of one another’s discipleship, mutual exhortation, worship, ministry, andmission.The church is God’s plan for seeing the spread of the Gospel to every tribe, tongue, nation, and language (Matt. 16:18–19; 28:18–20). As a confessional institution, Cedarville maintains the following regarding the doctrine of the church: We believe that the local church is a gathered congregation of believers, associated by covenant, practicing self- governance, and observing the ordinances of believer’s baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper. The church is to be committed to the authority of the Word of God in matters of doctrine and practice. God calls certainmen to be pastors, providing spiritual leadership for the church. Deacons, likewise, minister to the church body through specific acts of service. We believe that the universal Church consists of all who have saving faith in Christ. As the body of Christ, the Church is to fulfill His mission of making disciples throughout the world (Matt. 18:15–17; 28:18–20; 1 Cor. 1:2; 12:12–28; 7:17; 11:16; Eph. 1:22–23; 2:14–15; 4:11–16; 5:23-32; 1 Tim. 2:12; 3:1–15). This statement puts us on sure and specific footing as we speak about the importance, nature, and mission of the local church. STUDENT SERVANTHOOD Beyond our statement of faith, Cedarville University works intentionally and strategically to train students to be lifelong members and contributors to their local churches. First, students are encouraged to join and minister in a specific local church. This is promoted especially through the Involvement Fair, which offers a number of on- and off-campus ministry opportunities, including many with local churches. For example, a number of students work with either children’s or student ministries at churches in the area. Cedarville students also have the opportunity to serve in worship ministries, participate in small groups and, for students studying to go into full-time vocational ministry, will preach. Alongside ministry involvement, many churches also offer “associate membership.” This allows students to continue as members of their church back home, but also receive the shepherding they need at school. Cedarville students will continue to receive encouragement to join and minister in a local church from their resident assistants, resident directors, and other leaders on campus. Cedarville values the church, and accountability for church involvement is a priority. Chapel is a platform used to promote the ministry of specific churches. Students are able to hear from top- tier preachers serving as pastors in local churches. This allows students to hear what is going on around the world in terms of the Church, which produces a passion and resolve to be joined with the people of God. A specific example of this can be found in the 9Marks conferences that are hosted on campus each fall. Based on the book, 9 Marks of a Healthy Church , this conference gives students (as well as faculty and local pastors) the opportunity to hear from speakers who give hearers strategic ways to foster health in their own churches. Beyond these avenues for student involvement, Cedarville also provides more strategic opportunities. Global Outreach at Cedarville equips students for lifelong leadership and service through partnerships with local churches, community organizations, and missions. These volunteer ministry opportunities The Local Church We need the local church. She is the bride for whom Christ died and the body of Christ. Cedarville Magazine | 31