The Greek word translated "Church" is "ekklesia", meaning "called out ones". The Church is also called the "Body of Christ" (Ephesians 1:22, 23) and the "Bride of Christ" (Ephesian 5:23-33).

In the context of the New Testament, "The Church" refers to people; individuals who belong to Jesus and who are called to be in a relationship with each other. The word "Church" can refer to all the followers of Jesus everywhere, or those believers in a certain location.

The New Testament usage of the term "Church" does not refer to a building, or some place we "go", or a social organization like the Lions Club or Elks Lodge, or a corporation.

The traditions of men, especially those coming from the Roman Catholic Empire (and continued via Protestantism and Evangelicalism), have perverted our understanding of the word, "Church". We think of "going to Church" meaning that we are going to a building we call "the church" or a meeting we call "church". We are deceived into thinking in terms of a building, or some place we "go", or a social organization like the Lions Club or Elks Lodge, or a corporation.

But, it is crucial that we continuously remind ourselves that "The Church" is people: all individuals who belong to Jesus and are called to be in relationship with each other.

There is no teaching in the Bible that the Church is a corporation, an institution, distinct from individual Christians. Rather, the Church, IS the individuals who belong to Jesus and are called to be in relationship with each other.

The Church is people. We who belong to Jesus are the Church. When we meet together, it is a meeting of the Church. We go to meetings of the Church. The Church meets in buildings or homes or out in the woods. When the Church ministers, individual Christians minister as the Holy Spirit empowers them.

---

Email This Study  |   Corrections, Comments and Questions Always Welcome