Why the Church Must Be Seen and Heard Globally
Why the Church Must Be Seen and Heard Globally
Across history, some religious communities have been instantly recognizable by how they dressed. But in recent decades, many conservative evangelical groups relaxed strict dress standards to move away from legalism and emphasize grace. As fashion shifted and churches embraced more contemporary culture, the outward markers that once distinguished believers largely disappeared. Carlton Wittinger, in Quest for Piety and Obedience, described this change as a movement from a “visible church” to an “invisible church.” This raises a crucial question: How can a church that blends into society still influence the world for Christ?
Scripture offers a clear response. James 2:14–26 reminds believers that genuine faith must produce visible action. Similarly, Peter challenges Christians to demonstrate their commitment to Christ through consistent godly living, even when it is unpopular. If our appearance no longer marks us as different, our conduct must. Following Jesus calls us to respond to life in ways that contrast with a secular worldview. And when those differences are noticed, 1 Peter 3:15 instructs us to be ready to explain the hope and convictions that shape our lives.
ALSO READ: Victoria Orenze: “Nigerians Must Pray, Not Rely on America”
However, simply living well and waiting for questions is a limited form of witness. Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples found in Matthew 28:18–20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:46–48, and Acts 1:8 call the church to active mission, not passive silence. This assignment, often referred to as the Great Commission, is not optional. Missionary Hudson Taylor captured it well: “The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.”
This conviction drives our ministry. We believe Christ has called us to focus intentionally on communities with little exposure to the Gospel. Through radio, television, and other global media, we communicate the message of Jesus in more than 30 languages, reaching millions of people across several continents. Every day, lives are changed as individuals hear the Good News in their own heart language.
Yet even as we reach distant nations, a challenge grows closer to home. Modern secular culture increasingly insists that faith should be private kept inside church walls and excluded from everyday life. If Christians accept this view, the church becomes invisible in the very society it is meant to impact. Conversations drift toward work, entertainment, and politics, while spiritual truth is quietly pushed aside. But our world including America needs the redemptive influence of a church that is publicly present and spiritually engaged.
The Bible teaches that faith should shape every arena of life. Discipleship, leadership development, church planting, and mission engagement all help believers live courageously and share Christ openly. When Christians demonstrate their faith without shame and invite others to experience God’s grace, the church emerges from invisibility. Together, we become a community of “living stones” a visible, unmistakable testimony of God’s presence in the world.
Content Credit: Moyosola Oni
Image Credit: Google .Com
