Church
Category
Church & Ministry
Biblical Definition
The assembly of God's people called through the gospel into union with Christ and with one another, expressed both universally and in local congregations.
Origin(s)
Greek: ἐκκλησία
Transliteration
ekklēsia
Literal meaning
assembly, congregation, gathered people
Key Scripture(s)
Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:42-47; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 2:19-22; Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 Timothy 3:15
Theological Significance
The church is Christ's body, temple, flock, and household, created by the word and Spirit. It is the ordinary sphere of worship, discipleship, discipline, and mission in the new covenant.
Common Misunderstanding(s)
The church is not primarily a building, a voluntary club, or merely an invisible idea with no local expression. Scripture consistently gives it visible, gathered, and covenantal form.
Practical Application
A biblical doctrine of the church leads believers to covenant commitment, gathered worship, accountable membership, and shared mission under Christ's headship.