The church is an essential aspect of Christianity, and as believers, it is important to understand its purpose, structure, and responsibilities. The church is not just a physical building but a community of believers that come together to worship God, support each other, and fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. The Bible provides guidance on what the church is, its purpose, organization, and the roles and responsibilities of its members.
In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about the church. We will look at the biblical definition of the church, its purpose, its organization, and the responsibilities of church members. We will also explore the importance of the church community and how it plays a vital role in the lives of believers. Whether you are a new believer or have been a Christian for years, this post will provide insights into the importance of the church in the life of every believer.
As we delve into what the Bible says about the church, we will see that the church has a clear purpose, and it plays a vital role in the spiritual growth and development of believers. The church is not just a place to attend on Sundays, but it is a community of believers that provide support, encouragement, and accountability to one another. Understanding the biblical definition of the church, its purpose, and its organization, as well as the roles and responsibilities of its members, will help believers to appreciate the significance of being a part of a church community and to participate more actively in the life of the church.
The Definition of Church in the Bible
The word “church” is derived from the Greek word “ekklesia,” which means “assembly” or “gathering.” In the Bible, the word “church” can have different meanings, including:
The Universal Church
This refers to all believers in Christ, regardless of their location or denomination. For instance, in Ephesians 1:22-23, the apostle Paul describes the church as the body of Christ, with Christ as its head.
The Local Church
This refers to a specific congregation of believers that meets in a particular place. For example, in 1 Corinthians 1:2, Paul writes to the church in Corinth.
The Ecclesia
This term is used in the New Testament to refer to both the assembly of believers and the political assembly in ancient Greece.
The Purpose of the Church According to the Bible
The Bible provides several reasons for the existence of the church, including:
To Worship God
The church is a place where believers can gather to worship God together. In John 4:23-24, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman at the well, “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” In 1 Corinthians 14:26, Paul explains that when believers come together, they should share their gifts and use them to build each other up and glorify God.
To Disciple Believers
The church plays a vital role in helping believers grow in their faith. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus instructs His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey His commands. In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul explains that God gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry and to build up the body of Christ.
To Evangelize the World
The church is called to spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations. In Mark 16:15, Jesus tells His disciples to go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature. In Acts 1:8, Jesus promises that His disciples will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, and they will be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
To Provide Fellowship and Support
The church is a community of believers that can provide support, encouragement, and accountability to one another. In Hebrews 10:24-25, the author encourages believers to not forsake the assembling of themselves together but to exhort and encourage one another. In Galatians 6:2, Paul writes, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
The Organization of the Church According to the Bible
The Bible describes the structure of the church as follows:
Pastors/Elders
The pastor, also known as an elder, is responsible for leading and shepherding the local church. In 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Paul provides a list of qualifications for overseers (or bishops) and deacons, who are also responsible for leading the church. In Titus 1:5-9, Paul tells Titus to appoint elders in every town and describes their qualifications as being above reproach, faithful to their spouse, sober-minded, self-controlled, hospitable, and able to teach.
Deacons
Deacons are responsible for serving the needs of the church and helping to administer its affairs. In Acts 6:1-6, the apostles select seven men to serve as deacons to assist them in caring for the church. In 1 Timothy 3:8-13, Paul provides a list of qualifications for deacons, who are to be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain, and holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
Congregants
Church members are responsible for supporting and participating in the ministry of the church. In 1 Peter 4:10-11, Peter encourages believers to use their gifts to serve one another as good stewards of God’s grace. In Romans 12:3-8, Paul explains that each believer has a different gift, and they should use it to serve others in the body of Christ.
The Responsibilities of Church Members According to the Bible
The Bible expects church members to:
Attend Church Regularly
Hebrews 10:25 encourages believers to not neglect the gathering of themselves together, but to encourage one another, especially as they see the Day of the Lord approaching.
Contribute to the Community
Believers should use their gifts and resources to serve the church and their community. In Galatians 6:10, Paul writes, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” In James 2:15-16, James exhorts believers to care for the needs of their brothers and sisters in Christ.
Serve Others
Believers should follow the example of Jesus and serve others in the church and community. In Mark 10:45, Jesus says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul encourages believers to consider others as more important than themselves and to look out for the interests of others.
Be Accountable
Believers should be accountable to one another and to their leaders in the church. In Hebrews 13:17, the author instructs believers to obey their leaders and submit to them as they watch over their souls. In James 5:16, the author encourages believers to confess their sins to one another and pray for one another so that they may be healed.
The Importance of Church Community According to the Bible
The Bible emphasizes the importance of church community, as it provides:
Support
The church community provides support in times of need. In Galatians 6:2, Paul writes, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul encourages believers to encourage one another and build one another up.
Accountability
The church community provides accountability to help believers stay on track in their faith. In Proverbs 27:17, the author writes, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” In Hebrews 3:13, the author encourages believers to exhort one another every day, so that none may be hardened by sin.
Growth
The church community provides an environment for believers to grow in their faith. In Ephesians 4:15-16, Paul explains that the body of Christ grows and matures as each part does its work. In Colossians 1:28, Paul explains that his ministry is to present every believer mature in Christ. This implies that believers need one another to grow spiritually and be equipped for ministry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible provides a clear and comprehensive understanding of the church and its significance to every Christian. The church is not just a physical building, but it is a community of believers that come together to worship God, disciple believers, evangelize the world, and provide fellowship and support to one another. It is an integral part of the Christian faith, and as believers, we are called to be actively involved in the life of the church.
As we have seen, the church plays a vital role in the spiritual growth and development of believers. It provides a supportive and accountable community, an environment for growth, and an opportunity to serve others. By understanding the biblical definition of the church, its purpose, and its organization, as well as the roles and responsibilities of its members, believers can appreciate the significance of being a part of a church community and participate more actively in the life of the church.
Let us, therefore, make it a priority to attend church regularly, contribute to the community, serve others, and be accountable to one another. Let us strive to be part of a church community that is faithful to its purpose and committed to fulfilling God’s plan for our lives. As we do so, we will grow in our faith, mature in Christ, and become effective witnesses for Him in the world.
