What Is Ecclesiology?

Ecclesiology is the theological study of the church — the nature, marks, organization, ordinances, and mission of the people of God. The English word 'church' translates the Greek 'ekklesia,' meaning 'assembly' or 'gathering.' In the New Testament, it refers to the community of believers called out of the world by God through Christ. The church is described with rich metaphors in Scripture. It is the body of Christ, with Christ as the head and believers as members with different functions. It is the bride of Christ, loved and purified by her husband. It is the temple of the Holy Spirit, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ as the cornerstone. It is the family of God, with believers as adopted children. It is the flock of God, with Christ and under-shepherds caring for the sheep. The church has both a universal and a local dimension. The universal church consists of all true believers in every age and place — the invisible communion of saints. The local church is a visible congregation of baptized believers gathered in a particular place under recognized leadership. The marks of the true church have been identified throughout history as the pure preaching of the gospel, the proper administration of the sacraments (or ordinances), and the exercise of church discipline. Ecclesiology examines church government. The three main forms are episcopal (rule by bishops), presbyterian (rule by elders), and congregational (rule by the congregation). Each form claims biblical support, and all three have produced faithful churches. The ordinances or sacraments of the church are baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism is the initiatory rite marking entrance into the church. The Lord's Supper is the continuing rite of fellowship, remembering Christ's death until He comes. The mission of the church is worship, edification, and evangelism. The church exists to glorify God, build up believers in the faith, and proclaim the gospel to the lost. This mission will continue until Christ returns. Ecclesiology addresses contemporary issues such as the relationship between church and state, the role of women in ministry, church unity and denominationalism, and the church's social responsibility. But at its core, ecclesiology is about understanding and being the people of God — the community purchased by Christ's blood, indwelt by His Spirit, and awaiting His return.