How Do You Define "Church"?

Which of the following is the Biblical definition of “church,” or in other words, what did Jesus have in mind when he told Peter “On this rock I will build my church.”

A) A church is a building and Jesus was a carpenter so he was telling Peter that He would build a magnificent cathedral with towering steeples and awe-inspiring décor.

B) A church is a worship service and Jesus was telling Peter that He would establish a Sunday morning program where the multitudes could come and receive the blessings and wisdom of the clergy.

C) A church is an assembly of people called out from the general population so Jesus was telling Peter that He would build a body of people who would be called out to follow Him.

The well-educated among us will be quick to point out that the answer is “C” and that the Greek word for church is “ekklesia” and it refers to “an assembly; a gathering of people called out of their homes to meet in some public place.” (Thayer's Greek Lexicon) Greeks originally used it to refer to representatives coming together in a public place to debate the issues of the day. Christians began using the term as Jesus did, to refer to an assembly of Christ-followers who came together for worship, teaching, and mutual encouragement.

However, in today's culture, this original meaning has been overlooked and at times seems to be completely lost. People everywhere, whether well-educated to the original meaning or not, use the word “church” to refer to a worship service or a building: “Are you going with us to church this morning?” or “I left my casserole pan at the church.”

To many people it might seem as if I am splitting hairs here and it really doesn't make much difference how we use the word “church” and what the original meaning is. But take just a minute or two to think about it more. What are we losing when we begin to think about the church as a building rather than the people? What are we losing when we begin to think about the church as a worship service or performance that we attend rather than a group of people of which we are a valuable part?

When we routinely refer to the church as something outside of ourselves, whether it be a building constructed and maintained by others or a worship service dominated by others or even an organization led by others, we cheat ourselves out of our proper place as a valuable member of the body of Christ. We see ourselves as outsiders looking in instead of a valuable part of the body. We stand back and criticize instead of being part of a solution. Problems are seen as someone else's problems and not our own. We lose out on the joy and fulfillment of serving God and his people because we are standing on the outside looking at the church rather than being the church.

So try to change your thinking a bit and help others along the way by the calling the church building the church facility, campus, or building. Call the Sunday morning service a worship service or Sunday celebration or whatever is an appropriate name for the meeting. And when people ask you why you are making changes to your vocabulary, just tell them, “It is because the church is the people! And we need each and every member of the church to realize that he or she is a valuable part of what God is doing in us and in our community. The church is not a building, service, or organization. We are the church; we must come together and be the church!”

Let's Pray Together: Lord, help me to see Your church the way you see it, as people and relationships rather than buildings and services. Open my eyes so that I can see all that the church can be and should be. Reveal to me any mistakes I have made or misguided ideas that I might have about the church. Thank you that any mistakes I have made are covered by the blood of Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross provides forgiveness not only for me but all who call on Your name. Thank you that you see Your church as a radiant bride, pure and without blemish, perfect in every way through the cross of Christ. Help me to see people as you see them and help me to forgive my brothers and sisters in Christ with whom I have had disagreements and hard feelings. I forgive these people I bring before you now...(continue praying as you feel led...)

This devotional is authored and published by Randy Brockett. All publishing rights are reserved but readers are encouraged to repost (please include this copyright info) or share his insights with their family, friends, and congregations. For other devotionals by Brother Randy, see www.blesseddisciples.com, dwellinchrist.blogspot.com, and www.discoverbiblicalchurch.com.