Church
Definition:
The Christian Meaning of “Church”
In Christian theology, the Church is far more than a building or an institution. The term comes from the Greek ekklesia, meaning:
“the called-out ones,”
“the gathered community,” or
“the assembly belonging to the Lord.”
At its core, the Church refers to the people of God, formed and empowered by the Holy Spirit, united in Christ, and sent into the world for God’s mission.
1. The Church Is the People of God, Not the Building
Jesus never used “church” to refer to architecture.
Christians have always understood church as people in relationship, not people in a place.
“The Church is the congregation of the faithful, in which the pure Word of God is preached and the sacraments duly administered.”
— Martin Luther
John Wycliffe described the Church as:
“The whole multitude of the elect.”
This highlights the key idea: the Church is a community formed by faith in Christ.
2. The Church as the Body of Christ
One of the most foundational biblical images is the Church as a living body, with Jesus as the head.
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
— Paul (1 Corinthians 12:27)
John Calvin wrote:
“Christ so unites us to Himself that He makes us partakers not only in His benefits but also in His person, that He may be one with us, and we with Him. Hence the Church is called His body.”
This means:
Christians are spiritually connected,
each believer has a role,
unity and diversity coexist,
and Jesus directs and animates the Church.
3. The Church as a Spiritual Family
Christianity understands the Church as a new family identity, created by God through salvation.
“The Church is God’s household—His family. It is the place where strangers become siblings.”
— N.T. Wright
This family is defined not by bloodline or ethnicity but by being “born of the Spirit” (John 3:6).
Dietrich Bonhoeffer said:
“The Church is the presence of Christ in the world. It is community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ.”
4. The Church as the Temple of the Holy Spirit
The Church is viewed as the dwelling place of God’s Spirit among His people.
“In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”
— Paul (Ephesians 2:22)
Cyril of Alexandria explained:
“The Church is filled with the Holy Spirit as the soul fills the body.”
This means:
God’s presence is among His people,
the Church is spiritually alive,
and the Spirit empowers the Church for ministry.
5. The Church as the Bride of Christ
Another ancient image is the Church as Christ’s beloved bride—symbolizing covenant, affection, and future hope.
“The Church is the beloved of Christ, whom He has redeemed and sanctified.”
— Augustine
Jonathan Edwards wrote:
“The Church is the end for which all other things exist. God created the world that He might prepare a spouse and a kingdom for His Son.”
This image emphasizes:
Christ’s love,
the Church’s holiness,
the future union at the end of time.
6. The Church as God’s Missionary People
The Church does not exist only for itself—it is sent.
“The Church exists by mission just as a fire exists by burning.”
— Emil Brunner
This means:
proclaiming the gospel,
caring for the poor,
pursuing justice,
discipling believers.
Lesslie Newbigin wrote:
“The Church is the sign, instrument, and foretaste of the Kingdom of God.”
This is one of the most influential modern definitions.
7. The Universal Church vs. Local Churches
Christianity distinguishes between:
A. The Universal Church (the “capital-C Church”)
All believers across:
time,
geography,
culture,
and denominations.
This is the Church Jesus refers to when He says:
“I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.”
— Jesus (Matthew 16:18)
Ignatius of Antioch described it as:
“The Church wherever Jesus Christ is.”
B. Local Churches (“small-c churches”)
Specific congregations gathering in particular places.
“The local church is the hope of the world.”
— Bill Hybels
Though individual congregations may differ, they belong to the one universal Body of Christ.
8. The Church Is Holy but Imperfect
Christianity affirms that the Church is holy in its identity but imperfect in its people.
“The Church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.”
— Abigail Van Buren (popular Christian aphorism, widely quoted)
G.K. Chesterton remarked:
“The Church is justified, not because her children do not sin, but because they do.”
This is rooted in grace, not performance.
9. The Church Is Both Visible and Invisible
Theologians distinguish:
• Visible Church
Institutions, buildings, denominations, clergy, services.
• Invisible Church
All true believers, known perfectly only to God.
John Owen wrote:
“The visible Church contains wheat and chaff; the invisible Church is the company of the redeemed.”
Summary: What the Church Means in Christian Theology
The Church is:
✔ the community of all who belong to Christ
✔ the Body of Christ on earth
✔ the family and household of God
✔ the temple filled with the Holy Spirit
✔ the Bride of Christ
✔ the people sent on God’s mission
✔ both universal and local
✔ both visible and spiritual
✔ holy in calling, imperfect in practice
Or as Augustine elegantly summarized:
“The Church is the fellowship of those who share in God’s love.”
Biblical Imagery & Metaphors:
A body with many members.
A bride prepared for her groom.
A house built on the Rock.
In Daily Faith:
Belonging to the Church means living in community — worshiping, serving, and encouraging one another.
The Church in Daily Life
In Christian theology, the Church is much more than a building or an institution. It is the community of believers—those who are "called out" by God to live in relationship with Him and with each other. The Church is a living, spiritual entity that carries out God's mission on earth. Here's a breakdown of the meaning and purpose of the Church, along with how to live out its calling in daily faith:
1. The Church Is the People of God, Not the Building
The Church is not a physical building, but a people who belong to Christ. The term "church" comes from the Greek ekklesia, meaning "the called-out ones." Christians are the living body of Christ, gathered together by faith to worship, learn, and serve.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:27 — "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."
Practical Application: Recognize that the Church is made up of believers, not just a place you go on Sundays. It’s a community of people, and you are an active part of it. Look for ways to engage in fellowship, support one another, and grow together in your relationship with Christ.
2. The Church as the Body of Christ
A foundational biblical image is that the Church is the Body of Christ, with Christ as the head. Every believer has a unique role in this body, and all members work together to serve God’s purposes. Unity and diversity coexist within the Church.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 — "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ."
Practical Application: Remember that you are part of a larger spiritual family, each member with unique gifts and responsibilities. Embrace the diversity within your church, and work in unity to fulfill God’s mission. Serve others with humility and recognize the contributions of all believers.
3. The Church as a Spiritual Family
The Church is also a spiritual family where believers are "born of the Spirit" and united in Christ. This new identity in Christ transcends physical family ties and defines Christians as brothers and sisters in the faith.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:19 — "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household."
Practical Application: Think of your church family as a place where you are accepted, loved, and supported. Be intentional about building relationships within your church, encouraging and praying for one another as you would with your own family.
4. The Church as the Temple of the Holy Spirit
The Church is the dwelling place of God’s Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers the Church for ministry and makes it spiritually alive. Believers are not just individuals, but collectively the place where God’s presence is manifest in the world.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:22 — "And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit."
Practical Application: Honour your body and the body of Christ as a temple of the Holy Spirit. Be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading in your life and in the life of the Church. Work to create an atmosphere in your church where God’s presence is felt, whether through worship, prayer, or acts of service.
5. The Church as the Bride of Christ
The Church is described as the Bride of Christ, symbolizing deep love, commitment, and future hope. Christ has sanctified the Church, and the Church eagerly awaits the return of the Groom (Christ) for the final union.
Scripture: Revelation 19:7 — "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready."
Practical Application: Live with the anticipation of Christ’s return. Keep your heart devoted to Him and reflect His love in the way you interact with others. The Church, as the Bride, is called to be pure and holy, so strive to live in a way that honors Christ in every area of your life.
6. The Church as God’s Missionary People
The Church exists not only for itself, but for the world. It is called to proclaim the gospel, care for the poor, pursue justice, and disciple believers. The Church is the instrument through which God’s kingdom is advanced.
Scripture: Matthew 28:19 — "Go and make disciples of all nations."
Practical Application: Be a part of the Church’s mission. Whether you are sharing the gospel with someone, serving the marginalized, or advocating for justice, your life is part of God’s greater mission. Find ways to contribute to this work, whether locally or globally.
7. The Universal Church vs. Local Churches
The Universal Church refers to all believers, across time and geography, united in Christ. This is the "capital-C" Church that includes all Christians worldwide.
Local Churches are specific congregations that gather together in particular places. While they may have differences in culture or tradition, they are all part of the one universal Body of Christ.
Scripture: Matthew 16:18 — "I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it."
Practical Application: Understand that, as a member of a local church, you are part of something much larger—the global Church. Seek unity with other believers, recognizing that all are part of Christ’s body, no matter the denomination or location.
8. The Church Is Holy but Imperfect
The Church is holy by calling, but imperfect in practice. While it is the bride of Christ, the Church consists of sinners who are being transformed by grace. It’s a place where imperfect people come together to grow in holiness.
Scripture: Ephesians 5:25-27 — "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy."
Practical Application: Don’t expect perfection in the Church, but look for opportunities to contribute to its growth in holiness. Be patient with others and with the Church’s imperfections, while striving for Christlike love and purity.
9. The Church Is Both Visible and Invisible
The Church has both a visible and an invisible nature. The visible Church refers to the institutions, services, and physical gatherings, while the invisible Church consists of all true believers, known perfectly only to God.
John Owen — "The visible Church contains wheat and chaff; the invisible Church is the company of the redeemed."
Practical Application: Focus on being part of the invisible Church—living out your faith in a way that reflects the true heart of the Church. At the same time, be engaged in the visible aspects of the Church, contributing to its physical ministries and fellowship.
Practical Daily Applications of the Church
Engage in Community: Church is about people, not just a place. Get involved in the life of your local church—join a small group, volunteer in a ministry, and build relationships with fellow believers.
Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25 — "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another."
Live as the Body of Christ: Remember that you are part of a global community of believers. Serve others, use your spiritual gifts, and care for one another. The health of the Body depends on each member playing its role.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:14-17 — "Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many."
Be the Bride of Christ: Live with anticipation for Christ’s return. Purify your life and love others with the selfless, sacrificial love that Christ shows His Church.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:2 — "I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to Him."
Join in God’s Mission: The Church is a missionary people, sent to proclaim the gospel and make disciples. Find ways to be part of the Church’s mission, whether through evangelism, serving the poor, or advocating for justice.
Scripture: Acts 1:8 — "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
By living out the calling of the Church in your daily life, you contribute to the spiritual health and mission of the body of Christ. Whether in your local congregation or in the global Church, you are part of God's redemptive plan for the world.
Scripture References:
Ephesians 2:19–22 (NIV)
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV)
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
Matthew 16:18 (NIV)
18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.