I have been reading Karl Barth's first volume of the Church Dogmatics. I have yet to read a better introduction to a theological work than his first few paragraphs in CD I.1. His words serenade you and seduce into the wonderful joy of theology!

In talking about the church's confession of God he says that, by its very existence, the Church is a witness "in it's specific action as a fellowship, in proclamation by preaching and administration of the sacraments, in worship, in its internal and external mission including works of love amongst the sick, the weak and those in jeoprady". In essence what Barth is saying is the church does not have to try to be a 'witness' to its local community; by its very presence it is a witness. Often we recognise the missional efforts (or outward focus) of a church as 'witnessing' however, have we ever thought that the works we undertake in being the community of God's people, such as preaching, sacraments, worship etc, are in fact witness?

Mark Stevens

From an interesting Blog - http://www.emergentpilgrim.blogspot.com/