Ecclesiology
“The supreme business of God in this age is the gathering of the church.” Evans
Definition of the Church
- Ekklesia – “called out ones” or Kuriakon – “belonging
to the Lord”
- The Local Church – a group of believers making up a local assembly. (Acts
8:1; 11:22; Romans 16:5; Galatians 1:2)
- The Universal Church – all in this age who have been “born again” by the
Spirit of God. (I Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 2:20; 5:25; I Peter 1:3, 22-25)
Purpose of the Church
- To glorify and worship God. (Romans 15:6-9; Philippians 3:3)
- Evangelize the world. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8)
- Instruction (II Timothy 2:22; II Timothy 3:16-17)
- Fellowship (Acts 2:42)
- Ministry (Acts 8:4; 11:19; Romans 12:3-8; James 1:27)
- Two ordinances to be carried out in the church
- Baptism - Water immersion baptism identifies new believers with Christ,
but has no salvatory power in itself. (Matthew 28:19; Mark
16:15-16; Acts 2:41; 8:35-37)
- Lord’s Supper – a time for believers to examine themselves
for un-confessed sin and reflect on the death of Christ for
their sin. (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24-28)
Organization of the Church
- Pastor, Elder, Bishop – All names of the man chosen by God
to lead the church. (Preacher, Shepherd, Overseer) (I Timothy 3:1-7; I
Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:17; I Peter 5:1-2)
- Deacon – a servant leader, relieving the burden of the pastor by
caring for the material needs of the congregation. (Acts 6:1-6; I Timothy 3:8-13)
