I'm Going to Church

A few months ago I had a good friend call me who was searching for a church. We got talking about what to look for when I realized that if we were honest with ourselves the vast majority of Christians would not be able to provide a comprehensive, concise definition of the Church. Whereas I can never promise conciseness, I can usually attempt comprehension. Here's systematic and biblical look at what it should mean when you tell someone, "I'm going to Church"


The prevalent word for the church in the New Testament is the Greek term, ekklesia, meaning “called out group.” Reformed theologians have come to further define the church as the community of all true believers for all time. Uses of the term ekklesia in the New Testament most often refer to local congregations of believers (Acts 8:1, 11:22, 16:5; Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Cor. 1:1; Gal. 1:2; 1 Thess. 1:1). Scripture depicts these groups as gathered for worship (1 Cor. 11:18), fellowship (Acts 2:45-6, 4:31; Philem. 2), and instruction (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 4:17). Beyond the scope of local congregations, the Bible also references the Church Universal, citing the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13, 1 Pet. 1:3) as well as the unity of all believers by the power and baptism of the Holy Spirit through Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28; Eph. 4:4).
The New Testament offers numerous metaphors to illustrate the purposes and nature of the church. As aforementioned, the apostles define the Church as the Body of Christ as well as the Bride of Christ (Eph. 5:23). Furthermore, the Church is called a building of living stones (1 Cor. 3:9; 1 Pet. 2:5), a royal priesthood (1 Pet. 2), the flock of Christ (John 10:26-7; Acts 20:28), and the branches of the true vine (John 15:1). From these various Scriptural instructions and metaphors, the New Testament institutes marks that define the Church. As the Reformers made sure to note, the local church is a place where the Word of God is proclaimed and preached. It is a place where the ordinances / sacraments are properly administered according to the Scriptures, notably those of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Baptism, the New Testament teaches, is intended for persons who first believe in the saving power of the Gospel (Acts 2:38, 41, 8:12, 38, 9:18, 10:48, 16:14-15, 16:32-33, 18:8) and identify with Christ in His crucifixion and atonement for sin (Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:4-5). The mode of this sacrament is demonstrated by the example of Jesus, by immersion in water (Mark 1:9-10; Acts 8:38). Once baptized into the church and Body of Christ, congregations are taught to partake in the observance of the Lord’s Supper together in the church (1 Cor. 11:23-32; Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-23). This observance is done as a memorial to Christ’s crucifixion (1 Cor. 11:24-25; Eph. 1:7; 1 Pet. 2:24), a proclamation of His second coming (1 Cor. 11:26), and for the communion of believers (1 Cor. 10:17).
Finally, the New Testament instructs the Church to fulfill at least five purposes on the earth. First, worship, or the human response to the self-revelation of God, stands as its most vital focus (Eph. 1:12, 5:16-19; Col. 3:16; Rev. 19). Second, the Church should serve as a witness to an unbelieving, lost world (Matt. 28: 18-20) as evangelism is a charge to all believers (Acts 8:4) to proclaim solely the message and Gospel of Jesus Christ above all other things (Acts 8:5, 9:20, 11:20). In complete obedience to the Great Commission (Matt. 28: 18-20), churches are charged to discipleship within congregations, built on the foundations of the apostles’ teachings (Acts 2:42, 5:42; 17:3) for the purpose of the maturation of believers (Acts 11:26, 15:35; Col. 1:28, Eph. 4:12-13). The Church is charged to be committed to fellowship (koinonia) utilizing the spiritual gifts of the Body to minister to each other (1 Cor. 14, Rom. 12:5), practicing hospitality and cultivating Christ-centered friendships. Lastly, the Church is called to service and mercy both inside and outside the confines of the Body of Christ (Luke 4:40).