What/Why is Primary Purpose of Sunday Morning Church Service

Do NOT need theological debate on what is a church, time of meeting, etc. This is general question. Not making this a "poll", so giving room for 1-2 sentence explanation, not a 1-2 word answer.

We know there should be MANY purposes combined in Sunday Morning service. I'd like to think how PRIMARY purpose is visualized, while others may be evident or rotate around the primary.

Some ideas (not limited) to get your minds rolling:
Worship in word and music
Gospel evangelism to lost every week
Fellowship of the members
Collect tithes and offerings
Edification/teaching believers
Community Outreach program to meet needs
Expose area to pastor or musician or other ministries
Observe the ordinances/sacraments
Numbers; draw in the most people to build reputation to church
Glorify God

 

Know you meant it humorously, but I wanted to say "Amen" - the idea of getting out for fellowship (and gossip??) IS often the purpose of some Churches. We call them "Country Club Christians" - get dressed up, spend time with friend, race away to beat the rush at Cracker Barrel for dinner

 

In the old days (anything pre-ME, er, WWII) I sensed the PRIMARY purpose of Morning Service was to Proclaim the Gospel. People invited friends to church to hear the Gospel. Sunday Evening was more teaching/discipling; Wednesday was prayer. Unchurched, unsaved, would not fit in Sunday or Wednesday evening for the more specialized services.

Problem was that many folks were very faithful to their own church and would not THINK of missing a Sunday Morning at their own place to visit. Most of the salvation-oriented messages fell on the ears of folks who WERE ALREADY SAVED, missing their target audience that was not there, and missing the deeper education or discipling of believers hearing John 3:16 52 times a year. (hyperbole)

About 25 years into my pastoral life, I concluded Sunday Morning Service should be the DEEPEST study of edifying, discipling, strengthening, teaching, in corporate worship. Songs with depth and teaching, not "Give me oil in my lamp" ditties. Unified reading of the Word. Expository sermons of what GOD said, not motivational pablum or simple stories fit for VeggieTales to preach. Real worship. Geared 100% to believers, in safety, a haven from the world and protected from error.

Evangelism was the natural outwork of this. Sharing the Gospel was NOT the job of the paid professional (bring 'em to church and let the preacher get them saved). It was the overflow of the growing Christian life. Then bring new believers in and let them grow in the Word.

 

That IS a good, simple mission statement. How do you see the PRIORITY of the Morning Service in that mission? Assume one service can't do it all.