Die beeld van die kerk na buite – enkele Bybelse perspektiewe

Abstract

The external image of the church – a few biblical perspectives

What does the Bible teach about the image of the church and does it provide certain guidelines on how the church should promote itself? What does God do with perceptions about His church and what does He expect of the church in this regard? The church has a certain identity as the image/representative of God and has to emanate the image of the Trinity. This identity gives the church the responsibility to administer perceptions about God, the church itself and its environment. To transmit the character, values and convictions of the church, the church should be involved constructively in the world. The church should mainly project the image of the Bridegroom, but in the process should also reflect its own image as being the bride. God administers the perceptions about Himself and His people, but in this regard also gives responsibilities to the church. The church should administer perceptions about God and His people by performing good deeds and by reflecting the idea of hope. The church, as the bride, can only do this if she has a passion for God and her Bridegroom, Christ, but also a burning passion for the church itself.