Alot of people think about The "Church" as a building or an association. However, this isn't
how the Bible uses the term. The Church is the gathering of redeemed individuals. In actuality, the word Church implies the called ones. In one sense, there is just a single Church.
It includes all believers around the world. We refer to this as "the Church"
Matthew 16:18
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
In any case, there are numerous churches working inside their communities.
1Cor. 4:17
For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.
This twofold dimension of what the Church is, may be represented this way: the Church comprises of other churches.
What Is A Church?
Churches come in different structures, sizes, and customs. Some meet in buildings they possess. Some meet in buildings they lease. A few gatherings claim to be "a church", when they do not focus on the central goal of a church.
These are some things which constitute a gathering of individuals a church;
*Frequent assembling to further the Church's goal which is to spread the gospel.
*Membership of devotees
*Officials who are called,gifted and selected
*Prompting discipline
*Collective and deliberate outreach.etc
What The Church Does
What a church does is referred to as its Mission. A few people call this the purpose of the church. We discover from the bible
Matt. 28:18-20
18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
that the Mission of the Church includes four fundamental assignments. These include:
- To worship
- To fellowship
- To instruct
- To evangelise
These parts of the Church's Mission will form the basis of the teachings and bible studies of the church.
How The Church Does This
In one sense, devotees don't go to church. They are the church. The essential way that Church completes its Mission is by getting together. Scripturally, this happens in two critical settings: the congregational gathering , and the little gathering setting (at #homes #work #schools etc).
Ministries Within The Church
Christ has announced that all devotees are "brothers"
Matt. 23:8
" you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers."
Nevertheless He has still appointed that
His Church be led by specific individuals whom He has blessed with his gifts to do as such.
Ephesians 4:11
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers.
