With so many expressions of church popping up like micro churches, entrepreneurial churches and digital churches, it’s appropriate that we re-visit the vital question “what is church?”.
Exponential Next have written an excellent article about what church is in their recent publication The Atlas, Your Call, His Kingdom. We have reproduced this article below:
Do you know the one thing Jesus announced He was going to build on planet Earth? The Church! (Matthew 16:18).
Two thousand years after making His promise, about 4.2 million churches exist worldwide! They are all different sizes and styles, from small gatherings in homes, to weekly gatherings around a beach campfire, to storefronts with gospel choirs, to formal liturgical services in a cathedral, to vibing bands on megachurch platforms…these are manifestations of “church.”
What Is Church?
The word “church,” in the original Greek of the New Testament, means “the called-out ones.” It was a term used when citizens were summoned -“called out”- from their homes and daily routines to gather and listen to a royal proclamation, usually given by a messenger of the king.
Maybe that sounds a little familiar- that special gathering on Sunday mornings where believers come together to worship and encourage one another?
Jesus Himself promised that when two or three people gather “in His name,” He would be present with them (Matthew 18:20). So, we might ask – what exactly is “church”? The answer isn’t just a simple yes or no; it’s a little more nuanced.
Yes, it is an expression of the universal Church – that big family of all Christians everywhere. When believers from different places and backgrounds come together, that is a way of witnessing and participating in the whole body of Christ.
And no,a local church isn’t just about a building or a weekly gathering. The New Testament highlights specific qualities that make a gathering truly a church – an authentic, healthy community of believers following Jesus together.
What Is a Local Church?
A local church is a group of believers in one place – people who have made a commitment to come together regularly to live out what it means to be the church. These gatherings aren’t just for attendance; they’re for doing life together, rooted in shared faith and purpose.
As you study the New Testament, you’ll notice seven important characteristics that often define a healthy local church:
1. Jesus Is Worshiped as Lord
1 CORINTHIANS 1:2
At the center of every gathering, Jesus is honored and celebrated as King. Worship isn’t just singing; it’s recognizing Christ’s authority and placing Him at the heart of the community.
2. Scripture Is Taught and Obeyed
1 TIMOTHY 4:13
The Bible is read, honored, and understood as God’s truth – guidance for life, faith, and practice. A church takes seriously the authority of Scripture as it helps shape believers’ hearts.
3. Believers Gather for Fellowship
ACTS 2:42
Church isn’t just about teachings and rituals, it’s about sharing life. Believers come together, support each other, and grow through relationships rooted in love and mutual care.
4. Sacraments Are Practiced
BAPTISM AND COMMUNION
ACTS 2:38; 1 CORINTHIANS 11:23–26
Jesus commanded us to practice baptism and communion. These visible symbols remind us of our faith and unity, and they are cherished parts of the community’s life together.
5. Spiritual Authority Is Present and Active
ACTS 14:23
Church leadership – trusted, credible, active – helps guide, teach, protect, and nurture the community. Leaders serve in humility, helping people grow in faith.
6. The Mission of Making Disciples and Serving Is Pursued
MATTHEW 28:19-20
A true church is on a mission – not just to grow in numbers, but to help each person mature as a disciple of Christ – learning to love others and serve the world around them.
7. The Presence of the Spirit Is Active
1 CORINTHIANS 3:16
The Holy Spirit is essential. His work in conviction, encouragement, gifting, and direction energizes the gathering and transforms lives.
Why is the Church Important?
These qualities remind us of what Jesus is building: His Church. And because the Church is part of God’s divine plan, gathering as a community isn’t just a tradition or routine; it’s a vital expression of His mission on earth. Whether the meeting is big or small, formal or informal, in a church building or in someone’s living room, these attributes can flourish anywhere believers come together sincerely seeking Jesus. They’re what make a gathering a true church – a place where God’s love is seen, heard, and experienced.
In the End…
These attributes can happen anywhere, in a variety of ways, in any size gathering and they all demonstrate what Jesus is building – His Church! The Church isn’t about the building, the program, or even the routine. It’s about Jesus – His presence, His love, and His mission to bring hope to a broken world. When we gather in love and faith, we become a part of something much bigger than ourselves, joining a divine story that has been unfolding for thousands of years.
