Kingdom First, Church Second: Prioritizing the Broader Mission in Christian Life (Messio Dei)
In the contemporary Christian context, there is often a noticeable tension between the priorities of the local church and the broader mission of God’s Kingdom. Many believers and church leaders grapple with how to balance the immediate concerns and structures of their local congregations with the expansive and inclusive call of the Gospel to usher in God’s Kingdom. The concept of “Kingdom first, church second,” outlines why and how Christians might prioritize the Kingdom of God while maintaining a healthy and active role within the local church.
The Kingdom of God, as presented in the New Testament, is a complex and numerous concept. It encompasses God’s sovereign rule over the universe, the redemption and restoration of all creation, and the establishment of justice, peace, and love. The Kingdom is both a present reality and a future hope—a dynamic domain that is constantly advancing as individuals and communities align themselves with the will and purposes of God. Jesus Himself, in His proclamation and parables, made it clear that the Kingdom of God was at the heart of His message and mission (Luke 4:43).
In contrast, the local church is a tangible manifestation of the body of Christ in a particular context. It is a community of believers who gather regularly for worship, teaching, fellowship, and service. While the church plays a crucial role in the advancement of God’s Kingdom by nurturing faith, fostering spiritual growth, and engaging in mission, it is a means to an end, not an end in itself. The church’s primary role is to be an agent of the Kingdom, a conduit through which God’s purposes are realized on earth (Ephesians 3:10).
The idea of prioritizing the Kingdom first requires a shift in perspective. It urges believers to transcend their denominational and congregational boundaries and to see the mission of God as broader than the programs, buildings, and activities that often dominate church life. This is not to diminish the importance of the local church, but to challenge it to become more Kingdom-oriented—to look beyond its self-preservation and to engage actively with the world in transformative ways.
When the Kingdom is placed first, Christians begin to evaluate their individual and corporate actions through a different lens. They are asked to consider: Are we seeking the welfare of our city and society (Jeremiah 29:7)? Are we loving our neighbours, caring for the marginalized, and stewarding creation by God’s will (Matthew 22:39, James 1:27)? Are our church structures and programs facilitating or hindering the realization of God’s purposes in our midst? The Kingdom-first approach confronts us with the challenging but liberating truth that the church exists not for its own sake, but to serve God’s grand narrative of redemption and reconciliation.
This reorientation towards the Kingdom can have profound implications for church leadership, discipleship, and community engagement. Leaders are encouraged to model and teach Kingdom values, to cast a vision that extends beyond church growth to societal transformation. Discipleship becomes less about church membership and more about becoming agents of change who reflect the heart of Jesus in every sphere of life. Community engagement shifts from inward-looking to outward-facing, as churches seek to build bridges, collaborate with others, and become beacons of hope in their communities.
Despite the apparent benefits, adopting a Kingdom-first mentality is not without its challenges. It may create tension with established traditions, provoke resistance from those uncomfortable with change, and require a reevaluation of church goals and resource allocation. It demands humility, flexibility, and a constant willingness to learn from others, including those who may not share our faith convictions.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to articulate that Kingdom first does not imply church second in a hierarchical sense, but rather in a sequential and foundational sense. Kingdom first means that the church’s mission and activities should be evaluated and shaped by how they contribute to the Kingdom’s values and expansion. It echoes the instruction found in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” In other words, as we prioritize the Kingdom, the health and vitality of the church will follow.
In practical terms, churches aspiring to adopt a Kingdom-first approach may engage in activities such as community service, social justice initiatives, interfaith dialogue, and environmental stewardship. They would empower congregants to integrate their faith with their vocations, advocate for systemic changes in society that reflect the justice and mercy of the Kingdom, and cultivate partnerships with other organizations for the common good.
A Kingdom-first, church-second paradigm serves as a reminder that the church is the tool and not the master, the means and not the end. By holding fast to this principle, Christians can avoid the pitfalls of localism and self-absorption, and instead, claim their role as co-laborers in God’s redemptive plan for the world.
The adage “Kingdom first, church second” encourages Christians to align their efforts with the transformative and encompassing vision of God’s Kingdom. It provokes a reevaluation of priorities, urging the church to act as a vehicle for God’s wider purposes rather than as an isolated entity. This is a challenging yet rewarding journey that calls for a collective commitment to positioning the Kingdom of God as the ultimate goal in the life of faith.
Citations:
1. The Holy Bible, New International Version. Biblica, Inc., 2011.
2. Wright, N.T. “How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels.” HarperOne, 2012.
3. McKnight, Scot. “Kingdom Conspiracy: Returning to the Radical Mission of the Local Church.” Brazos Press, 2014.
4. Hirsch, Alan. “The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating the Missional Church.” Brazos Press, 2006.
5. Guder, Darrell L., ed. “Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America.” Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1998.