Cox Handout - The Marks and Mission of the Local Church and Its Relationship to Parachurch Organizations

Question 1

Define parachurch in Dr. Cox’s terms.

Answer 1

Specialized institutional ministries within the Kingdom of God, which are not under the direct authority of any one local church and do not attempt to fulfill all the functions of a local church, but whose leaders are recognized and approved by their local churches.

Question 2

What is the popular definition of parachurch?

Answer 2

An organization that shares key characteristics with the church, yet falls short of being a church in full organizational structure and function.

Question 3

What would be a better designation for parachurch organizations?

Answer 3

Specialized institutional ministries.

Question 4

Define the term church.

Answer 4

The assembly of redeemed people in heaven and earth, created by God through spiritual union with Christ.

Question 5

What are the three organizational and functional similarities parachurch organizations share with the local church?

Answer 5

1) Substance - Christian Believers
2) Mission - Inward and Outward
3) Organized Structure

Question 6

What gives parachurch organizations their mandate?

Answer 6

The local visible church.

Question 7

What is the jurisdiction of parachurch organizations?

Answer 7

Ultimately the Kingdom of God sets the overall bounds of jurisdiction to aid the local visible church in its God ordained mission.