Why does the church exist? Even if we can give the theologically correct question, what does it look like practically? The church exists, not for itself, but for mission—to carry out the mission that Jesus Christ gave to it. That mission is to embrace a biblical commitment to planting healthy, reproducing churches.
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.” — John 10:28-30 (ESV)