Essence of Ekklesia

A lot of people are frustrated with the idea of Church. Some say ¨well I watch some preaching on TV, that´s my church¨, or, ¨I like to go out into nature with some friends, that´s my church¨. There are lots of different expressions being called church these days so I thought I´d look into the scriptures to try to find some definition and answer some basic questions.

What things are essential in a church?

What are the things that if lacking make a church not a church?

Is it necessary for a Christian to be part of a congregation?

The Greek word for Church is ekklesia, strong´s number, G1577, ἐκκλησία, ekklēsia, ek-klay-see'-ah
From a compound of G1537 (out) and a derivative of G2564 (calling); a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): - assembly, church.

Here are some references that give clues to some important questions regarding the church.

Who builds the church?

Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church… Act 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Act 7:38 This is he(Jesus), that was in the church in the wilderness… (referring to the Hebrews who left Egypt with Moses).

Where can Christians resolve conflicts and address sinful behavior?

Mat 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

If you want to contact Christians to persecute them or whatever, where do you find them?

Act 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad

If there is Kingdom business to attend to, who will do it?

Act 11:22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
Act 13:1-3 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Act 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

Where can a believer sit under good teaching and receive discipleship training?

Act 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

When things are going really badly, who will pray?

Act 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

How can the church avoid confusion and paralysis?

Act 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders (leaders) in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Who will pay for important things like missions?

Act 15:3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

Where do you go when you want to find Christians and communicate with them?

Act 18:22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

Where is spiritual nourishment provided for individual Christians?

Act 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

What reference can be given to individual Christians?

Rom 16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

Is a special, dedicated ¨church¨ building necessary?

Rom 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

Where does God place gifts and ministries?

1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Where do Christians get built up?

1Co 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

Where is God worshiped and glorified?

Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Are church leaders really supposed to keep things in order?

1Ti 3:1-5 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

Acts 2:42 describes the first church, how the were and what they did.

And they were continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, and in fellowship and in the breaking of the loaves, and in prayers.

The verses following it speak of the results or attending manifestations such as fear, generosity, and miraculous signs. Remember, the church doesn´t follow the signs, the signs follow the church.

Here are the key words of Acts 2:42 in the Greek with definitions. From these words and the above references we will see the essential ingredients of a biblical church.

a. Proskartereo, continue steadfastly, constant, long-term involvement
b. Apostolos Didache, the instructions, teaching, preaching, doctrine of the apostles (leaders).
c. Koinonia, fellowship, communion, partnership, participation, social intercourse, meeting together, financial contribution (Romans 15:26, 2Cor 9:13), communication (Philemon 1:6)
d. Klasis Artos, breaking bread, eating together, celebrating together, building community around the table.
e. Proseuche, prayer, worship, adoration, spiritual service, hearing God´s voice, letting Him hear ours.

An individual church body glorifies God by Christ Jesus, under the banner of God´s love and redemption by the Lamb of God. The church is the powerful blend of God´s redeemed gathering together unto Him in obedience to His Word under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

A church is not a church unless it has or is;

1. Established and built by Jesus Christ according to God´s will.
2. A structured, recognized, and respected leadership team empowered to establish doctrine, clarify vision, govern, give counsel, address and discipline sinful behavior, and keep order.
3. Regular gatherings for edifying Worship, Prayer, Preaching, teaching, and Fellowship.
4. Long-term commitment of time, effort, and financial resources by the members towards ministry goals and church life.
5. Sacraments and Ordinances; marriage, baptism, Lord´s supper, funeral services.

Is it necessary for a Christian to be part of a congregation?

It is generally understood that there is one church, the body of Christ that consists of every Christian from every place from the beginning until now. That is referred to as the Universal Church. That church has contemporary tangible expressions in the form of local congregations, also called churches, that meet together all around the world. This study is concerned with the latter, not so much the former.

If a person is truly born again they are part of the Church Universal. They are saved by the grace of God, which is activated by placing their own faith in Jesus and His atoning work on the cross. Since salvation is not received nor maintained by works it would not be correct to say that for a person to be truly saved they must be a member in good standing of a local congregation or attend a certain number of times per year.

Nevertheless, committed involvement in the local church as described by the scriptures above is clearly God´s plan for every believer. The church is the base to which practiced Christianity is anchored. The church is where discipleship happens. Despite the many examples of bad churches in the world, God places the solitary in families and God places His children in biblical churches. Any Christian that permanently exiles himself from the church takes himself out of God´s perfect will and seriously hinders his own growth, discipleship, and fulfillment of God´s callings and development of his gifts. The work of the Holy Spirit will be frustrated in his life.

In conclusion, you watching a preacher on TV may be wonderful, but it is not church. That preacher may have authority, but not in your life! You may worship with your friends in the park, but if that gathering doesn´t have all five things listed above you´re just hanging out with your friends. And, while not being part of a local congregation may not keep you out of heaven, it certainly will keep you out of the life God intends for you to have. As with all things there are exceptions; health reasons, work reasons, living in a place where there is no church, and other reasons may keep you out of a local church, but where you work and where you live is not as important as where you worship.

Maybe the church God has given you is lacking in some areas, or has some people in it you don´t care to relate to. The answer? Go and give humble, loving, faithful support until God releases you to a different church where you can go and give humble, loving, and faithful support. Don´t be a complainer or a thorn in anyone´s side, rather be someone who, by your loving and faithful service makes it better.

John