The Church

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“Church” is a word that get’s used a lot, but there are too many possible meanings.

When I use the word, this is what I think The Church ought to be about…

The Church is the body of our Lord Jesus, and it is his bride. Confusing mixed metaphors.

The Church is not a building, a gathering of mutually interested persons, and it is definitely not the human social construct and institution.

The Church, in the Biblical sense, is the ekklesia, a word generally used to mean any congregation of people, but specifically, it is “the called out ones”. It is those who have been called out from the general populace and are congregated together, for the purposes of God.

We do indeed owe the Church our allegience, love, devotion and service. But not the institution, not a denomination, not a pastor or homegroup. It is those who have been called out by God as His own. It may be inclusive of those who find themselves worshipping, gathering and perhaps even fellowshipping within the constructs of a traditional church, and it is likely to extend far beyond that.

The Church, exists to Glorify God, build up and encourage the believers, foster genuine fellowship, be light to the world and the salt of the earth. It exists not to self-perpetuate endless works in the service of a denomination, but to demonstrate a community of love to the world. Witness in the community may happen, but is more likely to be effective when the church is a natural and integral part of it’s community.

Do you think that people could fall sick and die from merely mistaking some bread and wine? No, there is nothing magical in communion unless you are a Roman Catholic. Paul’s strong admonition over the Lord’s Supper was those who were bringing worldly standards and rankings into the Church, lording over one another, thinking themselves better than their brothers and sisters. Much more important was this violation of the love of the Church and Christian culture, failing to recognise the Body of Christ, the Church fellowing amongst whom one ate the Lord’s Supper was and is the aweful sin that he warns against.

The Church, the Bride and Body of Christ, is constituted of the global fellowship of believers who share a common faith and fate. Recognise it, love it and be devoted to it above any programs and pretense of men.