What Is the Church?
The word church is one of the most familiar words in the Bible, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. Many people think first of a building. Others think of a denomination or a religious organization. The New Testament, however, speaks of the church as people, not a place.
The Greek word translated church is ekklesia, meaning "those who are called out" or "an assembly." In the New Testament it refers to people whom God has called through the gospel to belong to Jesus Christ.
Jesus first announced His purpose by saying,
"I will build My church." (Matthew 16:18)
Notice two important things.
First, the church belongs to Christ.
It is His church.
Second, at that moment it was still future.
Jesus said, "I will build..."
The church had not yet begun.
After Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension, that promise became a reality. Those who believed the gospel and were baptized were added by the Lord to His people (Acts 2:41, 47). From that day forward the church appears throughout the New Testament as the community of those who belong to Christ.
Sometimes the word church refers to all Christians everywhere. Paul wrote that Christ is
"the head of the church." (Ephesians 5:23)
In that sense there is only one body of Christ.
At other times the word refers to Christians who meet together in one location, such as "the church of God which is at Corinth" (1 Corinthians 1:2) or "the churches of Galatia" (Galatians 1:2). These local congregations were independent groups of believers united by the same faith and the same Lord.
Understanding this distinction helps us avoid confusion. The universal church includes every person who belongs to Christ. Local churches are gatherings of those believers who work and worship together in a particular place.
Before asking questions about organization, leadership, or worship, we must first understand this simple truth:
The church is not primarily a building.
It is not a denomination.
It is God's people, called together through Jesus Christ.
Everything else we learn about the church grows out of that foundation.
Continue Your Study
Jesus promised,
"I will build My church."
When did that promise become reality?
Did the church begin during Jesus' earthly ministry, on the Day of Pentecost, or at some other time?
We'll examine the Scriptures and let the New Testament answer that question.
Related Bible Studies
Why Baptism?
Why Does Authority Matter?
What Is Worship?
Companion Video
What Is the Church?
Read First. Conclude Later.