Billy Graham said this about the role of the church:

Today, the church is more important than ever. The Bible tells us that ~ in some ways we do not completely understand – the church represents all that Christ is. And I see the church, with its 2,000 years of history, as a mighty force in our society.

The church cannot ignore the community which has so many whose lives are empty of meaning. We in the church can offer hope. We know that God loves us, that Jesus can help every lost soul that calls on Him. So many today are hurting. All of us can think of someone whose family has broken up, who thinks that no one cares.

The poor and the oppressed have always been very much a concern of the church. . . . I challenge myself and those in the church to love the poor and the sick and the needy, to reach out to the lonely and the homeless, to work to heal those who are addicted to drugs and to care for the widow and orphan. We must also work for peace and justice. These are things we cannot ignore.

Read more quotes from Billy Graham on the church:

The blood of Christ purchased the church.

God’s church is Bible-centered church, and it grows strong under persecution.

The church isn’t just a particular building or congregation but the spiritual fellowship of all who belong to Jesus Christ. If we belong to Christ, we also belong to each other.

The word church as applied to the Christian society was first used by Jesus Himself when He told Peter, ‘Upon this rock I will build my church’ [Matthew 16:18]. He is the foundation of all Christian experience.

Pentecost was the day of power of the Holy Spirit. It was the day the Christian church was born.

God did not ordain that the church should drift aimlessly in the seas of uncertainty without compass, captain, or crew.

The church holds the key to revival. It is within our grasp.

The church should not be pampered but rather prepare for, and expect, persecution—for it is Christ’s body on earth.

The church does not prey on the lost; it prays for the perishing.

The church is a storehouse of spiritual food whereby the inner man is fed, nourished, and developed into maturity. It is fails, it is not fulfilling its purpose as a church.