According to Ellen White's writings, the purpose of the church is multifaceted and deeply spiritual. Here are the key points, supported by her books: - The church is God's appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world. Through the church, God's fullness and sufficiency are to be reflected to the world (AA 9.1). - The church is to manifest the principles of God's kingdom in life and character, separating from worldly customs and revealing God's will (6T 9). - It is organized for service, and every member is called to participate in missionary work, whether directly or through support (6T 29.3; Ed 268.6). - The church is a channel through which Christ reveals Himself to the world, showing forth His glory and the riches of His grace (6T 32.2). - It serves as God's fortress and city of refuge in a revolted world, maintaining faithfulness and bearing testimony through the ages (AA 11.2). - The church is responsible for preserving order, discipline, and purity among its members, acting as God's instrumentality on earth (7T 263.3; GW 501.4). - It is a channel of light, communicating God's purposes and will, and fostering unity among believers (GW 443.2). - The church is entrusted with the proclamation of truth and is empowered by God to do a special work, provided it remains loyal and obedient (AA 600.2). - Believers are united in church capacity to strengthen one another and to symbolize the unity of the church in heaven (6T 238.5). In summary, the church exists to serve, to proclaim the gospel, to reveal God's character and love, to maintain spiritual order, and to unite believers in the mission of salvation and service to the world. References: - White, E. G. (1911). The Acts of the Apostles (AA). - White, E. G. (1900). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6 (6T). - White, E. G. (1903). Education (Ed). - White, E. G. (1909). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7 (7T). - White, E. G. (1915). Gospel Workers (GW).