Theology 101 (Lesson 14)
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.”
—1 Corinthians 12:27
The word church is derived from the Greek term "ekklesia."
In ancient Greece, ekklesia was used to describe the assembly of all citizens who gathered to make decisions and participate in civic affairs.
In the New Testament, ekklesia is used to describe the community of believers in Christ, called the church.
The term "ekklesia" is derived from the Greek words "ek" (out of) and "kaleo" (to call). So, it literally means "called out ones."
Thus, ekklesia implies that the church is a group of people who have been called out from the larger society to be united with a common bond for a special purpose.
That common bond is the salvation by grace we have through the cross of Christ and our purpose is to glorify our Savior by honoring him all things, whether in thought, word, or deed.
The church being a group of people helps us avoid the mistake of thinking that the church is a physical building. The building is not the church but where the church gathers for worship.
In theology, we speak of both the universal church and the local church.
The universal church comprises all believers worldwide who are united by their faith in Jesus as Savior and King.
This concept of the universal church transcends denominational, cultural, and geographical boundaries, referring to believers throughout the entire world.
The Apostle Paul describes the church as the "Body of Christ" in 1 Corinthians 12:27, emphasizing the idea that individual believers are connected to one another as parts of a whole, with Jesus as the head.
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.”
—1 Corinthians 12:27
The local church, on the other hand, is a visible manifestation of the universal church within a specific community. It consists of a congregation of believers who gather regularly for worship, teaching, fellowship, and service.
Local churches may adhere to specific doctrines and practices that may vary from one congregation to another.
Despite these differences, local churches are still considered part of the larger, universal church.
Church polity refers to the organizational structure and governance of the church.
It encompasses the systems and principles that dictate how authority, decision-making, and leadership are distributed and exercised within the church. Various church polity models have emerged throughout history, including:
Episcopal Polity
Episcopal polity is characterized by a hierarchical structure, with bishops holding the highest authority within the church. This model is commonly found in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican churches. In this system, bishops oversee dioceses, which consist of multiple local churches, and are responsible for ordaining priests, confirming members, and providing spiritual guidance.
Presbyterian Polity
Presbyterian polity features a representative form of governance in which local churches elect elders to form a governing body called a session. The session makes decisions on behalf of the congregation and is accountable to a higher governing body known as the presbytery. This model is prevalent in Presbyterian and Reformed churches.
Congregational Polity
Congregational polity is based on the autonomy of the local church, with each congregation governing itself independently. In this system, the local church is governed by its members through democratic processes. Decisions are typically made by majority vote during congregational meetings. This model is commonly found in Baptist, Congregationalist, and some non-denominational churches.
There are a number of metaphors that describe the church.
The body of Christ: This metaphor signifies that the church is the physical manifestation of Jesus Christ in the world, and each member serves a unique function like the various parts of a body.
The bride of Christ: This metaphor portrays the church as the beloved of Christ, with whom He has entered into a covenant relationship and to whom He is faithful.
The kingdom of God: This metaphor portrays the church as a community under the rule and reign of God, living out His values and principles in the world.
The household of God: This metaphor emphasizes the sense of belonging and family within the church, with God as the father and all members as brothers and sisters.
The flock of God: This metaphor portrays the church as a community of sheep under the care and guidance of the Good Shepherd, Jesus.
The city of God: This metaphor emphasizes the heavenly and eternal nature of the church, as a city whose builder and architect is God.
The salt of the earth: This metaphor signifies the church's purpose to preserve and enhance the goodness and righteousness of the earth, by being a positive influence in society.
The light of the world: This metaphor highlights the church's role in shining the light of Christ into the darkness of the world, bringing truth, grace, and hope.
Discussion Questions
What does the word "church" come from and what does it mean?
How is the blood of Jesus the bond that unites believers in the church?
according to the Great Commission, what is the primary mission of the church?
What is the difference between the universal church and the local church? How can understanding this difference help Christians from diverse backgrounds show greater unity?
What are the distinct types of church polity?
How do the various metaphors of the church (like the bride of Christ, the kingdom of God, and the household of God) help us better understand the church's role and identity?
How can the church demonstrate Christ's love and compassion in practical ways?
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for calling us to be part of your church. May we always remember our primary mission, which is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to make disciples of all nations as we help others live their lives in view of the cross. May we also demonstrate your love and compassion to those in the church and the world, as we have received your compassion in Jesus.
For we pray in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.