What is the Church?

There are various perceptions of the church. Some view it as a gathering of people, a sacred place, a building, or a social institution, but the early church often met in homes, emphasising that the church isn't primarily a physical structure.

The Greek word for church in the New Testament is "Ecclesia", which literally means "called out assembly". This refers to an assembly of people called out from the multitude to belong to God. As stated in 1 Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light". Even a small group gathered for Bible study or worship constitutes "Ecclesia".

Biblical definitions of the church:

• "God’s household, which is the Church of the Living God, the pillar, and the foundation of Truth" (1 Timothy 3:15).

• "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s Temple, and that God’s spirit dwells in your midst?" (1 Corinthians 3:16).

• "Church of God, which he bought with his own blood" (Acts 20:28).

• "Just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25).

Significance of the Church: The church's significance stems from its foundation:

• Founded by Jesus Christ: Matthew 16:18 states, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this road, I will be in my church. The gains of his will not overcome it". Because Christ is the foundation, no authority can destroy the church.

• Belongs to Jesus Christ, the Creator: Colossians 1:16 says, "All things were created in heaven and on Earth, visible and invisible, where the Thrones or powers or rulers or authorities. All things have been created through him and for him". The church belongs to the eternal King of Kings.

• Rooted in the Redemptive Work of Christ: The church believes in Christ's life, death, and resurrection, and salvation is found only through Jesus Christ.

The church is described as a living organism that grows, reproduces, and responds to change, much like a living being. This means the church must be relevant to contemporary challenges, such as stress and peer pressure, which differ from past generations' concerns about survival and basic needs. The Holy Spirit guides the church to effectively engage with these modern issues while remaining grounded in God's unchanging truth.

Primary Mission of the Church: The "greatest commission" and primary mission of the church is to make disciples. This involves going and baptizing people, and teaching them to obey everything Christ commanded, as stated in Matthew 28:18-20: "And Jesus came to them and said all authority in heaven and on Earth, as were given to me. Therefore, who, and make disciples of all Nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit, as teaching them to obey everything".

The Church's growth is hindered by a lack of disciples. The five-fold ministry (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) is given to equip people for service and build up the body of Christ until they reach maturity and the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-15). Pastors have a responsibility to help believers mature and become disciples, not just for Sunday services, but in their daily lives.

How the Church Transforms Believers into Disciples: The church helps believers transform into disciples in four key ways:

1. Growing in the Knowledge of Christ: The church is the place to deepen one's understanding of who Jesus is. Colossians 2:7 encourages believers to be "rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness".

2. Living Out Your Faith: The church provides an environment to apply faith in everyday life, whether at home, in the workplace, or in interactions with others. Fellowship within the church allows believers to learn from each other's experiences and receive encouragement. This includes applying godly principles in practical situations, such as managing finances, resolving conflicts, and speaking with integrity. Matthew 5:16 states, "Let your light shine before others that they may sleep to glorify your father in Heaven".

3. Becoming Like Jesus: The church is the ideal setting to practice God's love, forgiveness, kindness, and patience, especially given the diverse backgrounds and personalities within the congregation. John 13:35 emphasizes, "By this. Everyone will know. That you are my disciples. If you love one another". Learning to love unconditionally within the church equips believers to be compassionate and forgiving in all areas of life.

4. Open to Correction: The church, through its pastors and elders, provides guidance and correction when individuals are deceived by false teachings. Being rooted in the church provides spiritual authority and government to navigate the challenges and deceptions of the last days. As mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:2, ministers are to "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching".

Believer's growth and maturity depend on being "faithful, committed, actively guided, and planted" in the church. The church is a place where God's power and presence are powerfully manifested, and where believers can experience freedom from addictions and bondages. The authority given to the church, as mentioned in Matthew 16:19 ("I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, whatever you find on Earth, will be bound in heaven. Whatever you lose on Earth will be loosed in heaven"), allows for powerful spiritual impact when believers gather together. Therefore, regular attendance and commitment to church fellowship are vital.