What is the relationship between a church and a parachurch?

     The church and parachurch both have unique roles in spreading the love of Christ. Though the parachurch is not the church, it does come alongside the church as a ministry set out to reach the lost. As both work to give hope to the lost, by presenting the love of Christ, a relationship between the two becomes visible.

     A parachurch such as a camp, Awana, and vacation bible school are ministries that do come alongside the church and help in that ministry. A parachurch has a close relationship with the church. If the church fails as a ministry the parachurch is also hurt. If a parachurch fails the church does not suffer as much as the previous scenario. Now there are many church institutions that are very close with certain parachurches. Awana may be a churches parachurch, but if the program fails in one church building the organization still goes on in many other churches.

     I look at the church as the parent and the parachurch as the child. I think it is important to take care of their parachurch as a parent would care for their child. The church should have a strong relationship with it's parachurch. The parachurch needs to be obedient towards the church as it carries out God's will.