After reading some interaction in the comments on this post from Nathan Campbell, I’ve been wondering along these lines:
The parachurch should be orientated toward the church, supporting the church in carrying out its mission.
When the parachurch becomes orientated toward society, and becomes a substitute for the church problems occur.
This is because the parachurch usually emphasises one (needful) area of church life.
When they help the church carry out the particular area well the broader expression of the church’s life helps society see that this is one facet of our Gospel ministry and mission.
When they substitute for the church, they necessarily create the false impression that their particular area of emphasis is the chief aim of the church.
It takes the church to convey the Gospel to the world.
The parachurch can support the actual church in doing it, but they can’t effectively substitute for the church.
The church in this situation can be denominational agencies or groups which serve local churches.
Parachurch in this situation is groups or individuals who establish themselves distinct from local churches, and seek to lobby, influence or outreach to wider society in the name of Christianity.
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