The Church of God

The Church has over the years become an integral part of the world. Many people go to church every Sunday to worship God. In this article we will discuss the Church. The study of the church is referred to as ecclesiology. This comes from two Greek word meaning “assembly” and “word” combining to mean the study of the church.

What is the Church?

Many people define the church as the physical building; this is not true biblical definition of the church. The biblical definition of the church is the people and not only the physical meeting place. The church is defined as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27-31). That is, the church is made up of people united in Christ, and Jesus Christ is their Lord and King. In the church there are people with different gifts and perform different function within the Church yet are one in Christ. Some are called to be Apostle, Prophet, Teachers, Pastors, Healers, Helpers, Workers of Miracles, Administrators, Evangelist, Speak with different tongues. The church is one big family. The church is also defined as the gathering of the saint (believers and Followers of Jesus Christ); the meeting of the congregation to fellowship, study, listen and discuss the word of God, pray and engage in other activities that brings glory, honor and power to the name of God. The church is also seen as the brotherhood of believers; that is, people who are bonded together by love for God and one another. Love is the most important element that must exist in the church. The Lord Jesus Christ commanded his apostles and the church to love one another has he (Jesus Christ) has loved us (the church). This shows the world that the church is the true disciples of Jesus Christ (John 13:34-35 - A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciple, if you love one another). From the verse above, the only commandments that make a church to be the true church of Jesus Christ is love, that is why the church is defined as the brotherhood of believers.

Another important thing we need to know about the church is the presence of Jesus Christ: if the reason for the meeting is based on Christ than a church is formed. The church is not only the meeting of hundreds of believers but it is about Jesus Christ being at the center or the reason for the meeting. The bible mentioned that where two or three people have gathered in the name of Jesus Christ there He will be (Matthew 18:20). In simple terms; don’t look at the church as a gathering of hundreds but as a gathering with Christ being at the center of it all. This is not to say that a congregation of hundreds is not a church; it is, if Christ is the reason for the meeting.

Founder of the Church

The Lord Jesus Christ is the founder of the Church. He handed it over to the Apostles and they have given the church to us today to be the caretakers until his return in glory and power.

The purpose of the Church

Why was the church established by Jesus Christ?

1. To present every member perfect - holy and acceptable to Jesus Christ: (Matthew 5:48 Romans 12:1-2). The Church teaches members the laws and commandment of God. The Church also supports members both physically and spiritually.
2. To serve as a guide or standard for the world (John 13:34-35, 1 Peter 2:9)

Functions of the Church

The task of the church is to teach biblical doctrines, fellowship with other believers, pray with other believers and observe other biblical rites such as baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

1. Teach biblical doctrines
   One important function of the church is to study the word of God. Jesus Christ told the church to constantly teach new believers the entire commandment he (Jesus Christ) has taught us after they baptized. In the book of Matthew chapter five to chapter eight – popularly referred to as the sermon on the mountain. We see Jesus Christ used hours teaching over five thousand people. It is through bible studies that we the followers of Jesus Christ are able to understand the word of God. Although, one can have a personal bible study, it is better to study with others because you get more insight when you study with others. They will bring ideas, knowledge, revelations and visions from their personal bible time onboard.


2. Fellowship with other believers
   Furthermore, the church provides a means of fellowship. In the church we meet new people and communicate with them. The church serves as a source of encouragement and motivation. During testimony time one gets the opportunity to know what the Lord has done for others.


3. pray with other believers
   There are times in life when you are down and can’t pray well, that is where the church comes in. In the church one can join other believers to pray for their selves and one another.


4. Observe other biblical rites such as baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
   The church also provides means for the followers of Jesus Christ to observe rite that Christians have to practice and follows. In the church, we baptized people and also participate in the Lord’s Supper.

Classification

The church can be classified into two: namely the local church and the universal church. The local church refers to the various churches that are in existence; thus the various churches in our communities or country. We can talk of the Baptist Church, Methodist Church, Assemblies of God and many other churches. The Universal Church on the other hand is the true church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This church is made up of people who have truly given their lives to Jesus Christ and are following His commandment as found in the Holy Bible. It is not a physical Church on earth. It is the duty of the local church to introduce and point the congregation on the right path to join the universal church. Being a member of a local church does not guarantee your membership in the universal church. The only assurance of membership is to surrender your life into the hand of God and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior.

Church Governance

In recent time people are becoming interested in the leadership structure of the church. Every local church has its own style of governance. In this section we will look at the three main governance structures that churches adopt. They are:

Episcopal
Presbytery
Congregational

Episcopal governance structure

In this structure the congregation is accountable to the parish priest who is also accountable to the bishop or the highest rank priest. This structure put one person (Bishop or Archbishop) at the hem of affair and all other priests are accountable to him. Example of Churches that adopt this structure is the Catholic Church and the Anglican Church. This approach facilitate decision making since it is mainly coming from a central source.

Presbytery Structure

In this structure the congregation selects leaders from the church to represent them and make the needed decisions in the church. Thus a group of people (leaders) are in charge of the church.

Congregational Structure

This structure places the congregation at the top of the governance. In this approach, the entire members of the church are involved in decision making. The Baptist Church is one example of the Churches that practice this approach. This approach brings on board the view and ideas of the congregation hence aiding the church in making quality decisions that reflect the views of the people. This method also promotes local autonomy. This approach has some floors; because the entire congregation are involved in the decision making process this will likely delay the process especially when there are controversial members. The second disadvantage is that, it might lead to unhealthy rivalry. This may occur when the views of a group or person is chosen over that of another group or person. However, if this system is practice well it will help the growth of the church.

FAQ about Church

Why are there many churches?

There are many churches due to differences in the governing structure and some doctrinal differences. Whiles some churches believe in tongue speaking as the only sign for the baptism of the Holy Spirit others hold a different view. Some believe in the use of instruments in service others don’t believe in the use of instrument. Just as we have people with different lifestyle, we also have churches to meet the lifestyle and believe of every person. Don’t see the many churches as a sign of Christian disunity. See it as a means where people with like mind unity and worship God. This system has also help in the spread of the Gospel. No matter your lifestyle or believe, there is a church that meets your need. One important thing to note is the all these Churches have the Lord Jesus Christ has their Chief Shepherd.

What shows this is a good church to attend

Any church that has Jesus Christ at the center and teaches the commandment of God has found in the Holy Bible is a good church. If the church also focus on your physical, emotional and spiritual growth it is a good church.

Why does the church meet on Sundays?

The church meets on Sunday because the Lord Jesus Christ resurrected on Sunday to seal the faith of his followers (Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:1, Luke 24:1, and John 20:1). The apostles also met and fellowshipped on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). Based on this it is only right for the followers to continue to fellowship on this day.

Why should I give to the church?

Giving is an integral part of the church. Giving to the church includes paying tithes, offering and voluntary donation. The church uses this income to run and manage the facility, pay for rent, utilities, salaries of church workers and also to support members when in need.

Summary

The church is an important aspect of the physical and spiritual growth of the Christian. It is the meeting of believers in Christ Jesus, to study and discuss the Holy Bible, pray together and support one another in love. At the center of the church should be the Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you. SHALOM (Peace).