What Is the Church? #

The word church in the New Testament comes from the Greek ekklesia (ἐκκλησία), meaning called-out ones. It refers to those who have been summoned out from the present evil age into fellowship with Christ and His Kingdom.

1 Peter 2:9 — But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light. (AMP)

The Church, then, is not a physical building or religious centre. It is a spiritual body, composed of men and women regenerated by the Spirit, joined to Christ, and joined to one another. It is the Body of Christ, expressing His life and authority in the earth.

Ephesians 1:22-23 — And God put all things under Christ’s feet, and gave him to the church as head over all things. Now the church is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

The Church is not a system of man-made traditions, rituals, doctrines, or hierarchies. It is not governed by religion but by the Spirit. It does not exist to maintain denominations or to perpetuate church programmes. The true Church is Christ formed in a people—His life made visible through those who walk in union with Him.

The Purpose of the Church #

The Church exists to reveal Christ in the world and to produce mature sons who reflect His image. The Lord’s final words confirm this:

Matthew 28:19–20 — Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptising them… teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you. (AMP)

The Greek word disciple is mathētēs (μαθητής), meaning a learner or follower. The goal is not just conversion, but transformation. Discipleship means being conformed to Christ’s image (Romans 8:29) through the renewing of the mind and obedience from the heart. (Romans 12:2; Hebrews 5:8–9)

Thus, the Church is not here to entertain or perform religious activities. It exists to form Christ in His people (Galatians 4:19), so that His life may be multiplied and manifested.

The Function and Structure of the Church #

(a) Expression of Christ Through Every Member #

The Church is not a passive audience but a living Body, in which each member has a vital role. Every joint supplies (Ephesians 4:16). This means the Church grows and matures as every person contributes by the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:7 — But to each one is given the manifestation of the [Holy] Spirit [the evidence, the spiritual illumination of the Spirit] for the common good. (AMP)

Ministry is not limited to a few professionals. Every believer is gifted, graced, and called to function. The Church is a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), not a divided class of clergy and laity.

(b) Plurality of Elders, Not One-Man Control #

In the New Testament pattern, the Church is always led by a plurality of elders, never by a single dominating leader. Leadership is shared, spiritual, and servant-hearted. Elders are mature believers who guide the flock by example, not by control.

Titus 1:5 — …appoint elders in every city as I directed you. (AMP)

Note: elders (plural) in every local gathering.

1 Peter 5:2–3 — Shepherd and guide and protect the flock of God among you… not domineering over those assigned to your care [do not be arrogant or overbearing], but be examples [of Christian living] to the flock. (AMP)

The Greek word elder is presbuteros (πρεσβύτερος)—an older, spiritually mature overseer. This plurality ensures balance, accountability, and shared grace. There is no room in the Church for hierarchical systems, CEO-style leadership, or religious control mechanisms.

Jesus Himself taught this principle:

Matthew 23:8–11 — But do not be called Rabbi (teacher); for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth [who guides you spiritually] your father… And do not be called [spiritual] leaders; for One is your Leader, the Christ. But the greatest among you will be your servant. (AMP)

(c) Teaching and Proclaiming the Word #

The Church is the pillar and ground of truth (1 Timothy 3:15). She must teach the Word, not human tradition or motivational fluff. Preaching (Greek: kērussō) means to herald divine truth with authority. Teaching (Greek: didaskō) is to cause others to learn and live what is taught.

2 Timothy 4:2 — Preach the word… correct, warn, and encourage, with patient teaching. (AMP)

Through teaching, the Church is equipped, built up, and transformed.

(d) Fellowship and Shared Life #

The Church is a family, not an organisation. The early Church met from house to house, sharing food, prayers, and spiritual gifts. This deep sharing is called koinōnia (κοινωνία)—communion, joint participation, mutual life.

Acts 2:42 — They were continually and faithfully devoting themselves to the instruction of the apostles, and to fellowship, to eating meals together and to prayers. (AMP)

(e) Worship in Spirit and Truth #

True worship is not performance or tradition—it is spiritual surrender to God, birthed by revelation. The Greek word worship is proskuneō, meaning to bow or kiss toward. It is reverent intimacy with the King.

John 4:23–24 — “…true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth… (AMP)

(f) Evangelism and Kingdom Proclamation #

The Church is a sent people. The Gospel is the message of the risen Christ who now reigns. Evangelism is not pressuring people into religion, but declaring the finished work of Christ.

Isaiah 52:7 — …who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (AMP)

This is the core message of the Gospel.

Why the Church Paradigm Matters #

A right understanding of the Church liberates us from lifeless traditions and brings us into living fellowship with Christ and one another. When the Church is seen as a spiritual people, not a religious system, our priorities shift.

Romans 12:4–5 — Just as in one [physical] body we have many parts… so we, who are many, are [nevertheless] one body in Christ… (AMP)

We pursue growth, not just gatherings. We seek maturity, not mere meetings. We long for Christ, not church culture.

Conclusion #

The Church is not a building, event, or man-made system. It is Christ in a people, called out, joined together, and sent forth. She exists to reveal Christ, make disciples, and function by the Spirit, not according to human structures or single-person rule.

Let us walk as the Church Jesus builds—a spiritual house, a royal priesthood, and a unified Body under One Head: Christ.

The Church is not where we go. The Church is who we are.

In Christ,
Shaliach.