THE COUNTRY CHURCH 445 



1. A definition of the function of the country church, in order 

 to gain if possible a clear notion of what the fundamental work 

 of the church is, particularly in relation to the work of other 

 social institutions. 



2. An outline of a general policy for the country church as a 

 whole, in trying to carry out its function. 



3. A suggestive program, embodying many concrete plans and 

 suggestions for the work of the local church, appropriate to the 

 carrying out of the general policy. 



THE FUNCTION OF THE COUNTRY CHURCH 



God's great purpose for men is the highest possible develop- 

 ment of each personality and of the human race as a whole. It 

 is essential to this growth that men shall hold adequate ideals of 

 character and life. The Christian believes that these ideals must 

 spring from a clear appreciation of God's purpose, and from a 

 consuming desire to reproduce the spirit and life of Jesus. 



Therefore, the function of the country church is to create, to 

 maintain, and to enlarge both individual and community ideals, 

 under the inspiration and guidance of the Christian motive and 

 teaching, and to help rural people to incarnate these ideals in 

 personal and family life, in industrial effort, in political develop- 

 ment, and in all social relationships. 



The church must bring men to God, must lead in the task of 

 building God's Kingdom on Earth. 



The mission of the Christian church is that of its Founder: 

 To teach the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man as 

 the ideal of life for the individual, the family, the community, 

 and the nation, and to point out the best way to make the ideal 

 the actual. 



THE WORK OF THE COUNTRY CHURCH 



The Committee has divided the work of the country church into 

 the following heads : 



1. Knowledge. 



2. Preaching and worship. 



3. Religious education. 



4. The Church ministering to all the people. 



5. The Church, the servant of the community. 



