Season: 10 Episode: 150
Listen to episode 146 in Spanish:
Summary:
You’ve probably heard it before—“The church is a hospital for the sick.” But is that really what the Bible teaches about the purpose of the Church? In this episode, we dive into this popular phrase to ask some hard but necessary questions: Is the church primarily for the unsaved? Should believers take a backseat while the spiritually sick are treated? Or has our understanding of the Church’s mission been shaped more by culture than by Scripture?
Listen in as we unpack the biblical role of the Church, how it’s meant to serve both the lost and the found, and why reducing it to just a spiritual hospital misses the bigger picture of discipleship, growth, and maturity in Christ.
Whether you’re a church leader, a new believer, or someone wrestling with your role in the Church, this episode will help you rethink and realign with God’s design for His people.
Intro
Welcome back to the Her Faith Inspires podcast, where we tackle cultural issues through the lens of biblical truth. I’m your host, Shanda Fulbright, and today we’re asking a crucial question: Is the church a hospital for the sick?
This phrase is often used to suggest that the church’s primary role is to minister to the spiritually lost. But is that what the Bible says the church is for? Should unbelievers take center stage in our gatherings while the saved step aside?
Let’s get into it.
Worldview in 3 Minutes Newsletter
Before we dive into our Between the Lines segment, don’t forget to subscribe to my Worldview in 3 Minutes newsletter. It goes out once a month and includes worldview insights, curated resources, and a freebie with every issue. Head to ShandaFulbright.com to subscribe.
Between the Lines: Helping a Stranger’s Baby
I shared this on Instagram recently, but while at the orthodontist with my son, I heard a baby begin to fuss nearby. Most moms know that when a baby fusses, it’s often the start of a full-blown cry. The baby got louder, and I peeked into the next stall and saw her in a car seat inside a stroller, but no adult in sight.
Soon, I spotted her mom—getting braces adjusted and clearly unable to help her daughter. I hesitantly asked, “Do you want me to hold your baby for you?” I was surprised when she said, “Yes, please!” I picked up the baby, walked her around, pointed to things outside the window, and soon she stopped crying. The mom got her braces fixed, I got to hold a sweet baby, and everyone was happy.
Later, I told my niece about it, and she mentioned how some people get uncomfortable when strangers touch their babies. But I think context matters here—we were both moms in the same office with our kids receiving care. That shared situation made it feel natural, not intrusive.
What I Learned:
- Know the Difference
There’s a big difference between randomly touching someone’s child and offering help when a parent clearly needs it. Always ask first. - Support Moms Who Are Struggling
Whether it’s in a coffee shop or grocery store, if you see a mom juggling more than she can handle, offer to help. Not everyone will accept it, but most will appreciate the gesture. Creating a culture that supports mothers—especially in public spaces—is something we should all strive for.
Is the Church a Hospital for the Sick?
This episode was inspired by an email from a listener. Let’s look at her message and explore the biblical response to her concerns.
Listener Email: Is My Church for the Unchurched?
“Hi! I attend a large church that recently began branding itself as ‘The church for the unchurched.’ I’ve been attending since 2013, but in 2023, I became serious about my faith. Now that I’m growing in Scripture and discernment, I’ve noticed some concerning trends. My pastor has a heart for lost people, but the focus seems to be on inviting unbelievers while believers take a backseat. They count salvations weekly, but I wonder if those numbers reflect genuine conversions. He even suggested we skip Easter service if we’re not bringing an unbeliever. That felt wrong to me. Isn’t the church supposed to be for the saints? I’d love your thoughts on this.”
Concerns and Questions from the Listener
Concerns:
- Prioritizing attendance based on bringing unbelievers.
- Emphasis on salvation numbers with little visible discipleship.
Questions:
- What is the purpose of the church?
- Is it biblical to count salvations?
- Should believers step aside for the unsaved?
What Does the Bible Say About Salvation Numbers?
Let’s start with Scripture.
Acts 2:41 records, “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”
The Bible often includes numbers:
- 12 disciples
- 72 sent out by Jesus
- 120 in the upper room
So, is it wrong to count salvations? Not necessarily. But the issue lies in how and why we’re counting. When I was in ministry in California, I was asked to submit reports on how many were saved, sanctified, and filled with the Spirit under my teaching. I never did.
Why?
- I can’t know someone’s heart. Only God knows who is truly saved.
- Sanctification and being filled with the Spirit aren’t easily tracked.
- Raising a hand in a service doesn’t confirm spiritual transformation.
We must be cautious not to reduce the gospel to numbers. The church is not measured solely by attendance or decisions—but by discipleship, community, and spiritual maturity.
Should We Stay Home Without an Unbeliever?
This idea only makes sense if we misunderstand the purpose of the church. Let’s look again at Acts 2:42–47:
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer… and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
Four Key Marks of the Church:
- Sound Doctrine
The apostles’ teaching centered on Christ crucified, risen, and reigning. - Fellowship
True fellowship happens among believers—those with a shared faith. - Communion
The Lord’s Supper is for those in covenant with Christ (1 Corinthians 11:17–34). It’s a sacred act that shouldn’t involve unbelievers. - Prayer
A healthy church is a praying church—both corporately and individually.
“And the Lord added to their number…” (Acts 2:47)
This is key: the Lord brings people into His church. Not marketing. Not emotional altar calls. And Not headcounts. God builds His church.
The Church’s Mission: More Than Just Outreach
GotQuestions.org explains it well:
“The church is to proclaim the gospel and prepare its members to do the same (1 Peter 3:15). It’s also called to care for widows, orphans, and remain unstained by the world (James 1:27).”
The church is a lighthouse—shining truth into darkness—not a place that prioritizes seekers over saints.
How Should We Respond to Concerning Trends in Church?
If you notice a concerning pattern at your church, don’t react—respond. Here are three steps:
1. Pray
Seek wisdom. Ask God to give you understanding before speaking up. Sometimes the Holy Spirit will clarify things or bring change without you saying a word.
2. Assess
Look at the full picture. Is your church sound in doctrine? Do they promote fellowship, regular communion, and corporate prayer? If those are in place, that’s a good sign. Don’t jump ship over one concerning statement—evaluate with care.
3. Talk
If concerns persist after prayer and assessment, speak to a trusted leader. Ask questions with humility, not accusation. If the church has veered away from truth, you may need to make a difficult decision. But let it be after careful discernment, not an emotional reaction.
Conclusion: The Church Is for the Believers
Hebrews 10:23–25 reminds us why we gather:
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope… not neglecting to meet together, but encouraging one another…”
The purpose of the church is to equip believers, stir one another to love and good works, and live out the gospel in our communities.
So, is the church a hospital for the sick? In one sense, yes—Jesus is the Great Physician, and the spiritually sick are always welcome. But the primary role of the church is to be the family of God, where believers are equipped, discipled, and sent out to share the gospel.
We can scoot over and make room, but we don’t step aside. The church isn’t a show for unbelievers—it’s a sacred gathering for God’s people.
Have a Question for the Show?
Email me at hello@shandafulbright.com. You never know—your question might just inspire a future episode.
Thanks for listening, and I’ll catch you on the next one!
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