The single element of importance for the church

There will... if anyone is still reading, no doubt be much debate over a question such as this. I am confident many opinions will be expressed. So, first I will state my position, and then state why I feel other things that are indeed important stem from this element. I propose and believe that the reading, teaching, and preaching of the Word is that which is most important to the church. Now, most of my "proof" for this proposal will indeed come from the Bible. I will not apologize for this fau pa. While this could be considered circular, I am an unabashed presuppositionalist, and all my arguments for Christianity begin and end with "thus saith the LORD." First, an example of the importance of the giving of the Word to the people. In Acts 6 we see the creation of the office of deacon. The reason for this creation is so that the apostles can go out and preach the Gospel. Are deacons important? Of course, in their proper supporting role of taking care of the sick, widows, and poor, so that the Gospel can be preached to the sheep. Second, where else are we to know the how or why of our beliefs other than by the Scriptures themselves. You may believe that the church should first take care of the poor, or first take care of theology, or first take care of missions. However, where would you get your defense for your arguments. Well hopefully from the Bible. So, all things that we have a duty to do and perform should have their roots in Scripture. Some may ask, what about the ordinances? Well, of course the Lord's Supper and Baptism are indeed important to the life of the church. However, from what place other than Scripture would you be able to garner the knowledge of their importance. So, while the ordinances are crucial, their foundation is laid in Scripture. Lastly, this is a blog not a paper or book so this is short, Jesus is the Word incarnate. All of Scripture points to Him, speaks of Him, and tells us of our relationship with Him. How can we live out or spread the Kingdom of God, without studying that very Word which gives us life? So many times we get caught up in the secondary importances of the church that we forget the single foundation upon which we stand. Without a knowledge of whom we worship... the rest is meaningless. For it is not the act of sacrifice that God wants from us, but the rightness of heart. How can we know what rightness of heart is, or how to give God the Glory if we do not read, and hear His Word.

Question about the Church

What is the single most important element to the church? I will give about a week for discussion, and then I will give my thoughts on the subject.