ECCLESIOLOGY

In theology, the doctrine of the church, which is  commonly referred to as ecclesiology is the study of the nature, structure, and functions of the church, including its government, sacraments, and relationship to the world.

Throughout history, some people, like Adolf Hitler, among others, fought the church to no avail. Some prayed the church would go into extinction just because of their personal reasons. Some of the reasons were genuine because some church leaders misrepresented the church, but that was not a good reason to rise up against this mysterious organization. 

In some countries, some governments are trying to silence the voice of this institution called church, but it’s not working. They close churches, but believers still gather either in their homes or in a secret place to worship their God. Why has this mysterious institution continued to exist from the time of its existence to date despite the numerous challenges it has faced and continues to face. What actually is it? Do you know what the church is? At first, I thought I did, but later, I realized I didn’t. 

The church can be described as the “called out ones” to represent the government of Elohim on earth. The church is the representative of the interest of God on the face of the earth. It’s not a social gathering. In the world, when we talk about prosperity, for instance, we talk of investment, inheritance, diligence, etc, but in church, we talk covenant. Though we are not against human ways of making money because we use them, we also have another method which is superior to men’s. 

Now, the church is primarily the house of God. 

“Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epænetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭16‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In this passage, Paul the Apostle:

– Sends greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, who were his close friends and coworkers in ministry.

– Expresses gratitude for their bravery and selflessness, which had put them at risk.

– Acknowledges the church that meets in their home, highlighting the importance of house churches in the early Christian movement.

– Sends a special greeting to Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christianity in the province of Asia.

Please read verse 5 again. It says, ” Greet the church that meets at their house. What then is the church? The building? Take your time and ponder over it. The house of God is the church, and those who make up the church are human beings and not necessarily the building. So, the church is the gathering/ conveyance of people. If I erect a tent  for a crusade, for instance, in Accra, say at Kaneshie, and people attend, it becomes a church. And if I move the tent to East Legon, where the tent is at East Legon where men gather becomes the church.

The church is also the universal body of Christ where Jesus is the Head. Colossians 1:18 says:

“And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”

In this verse, Paul emphasizes Jesus Christ’s headship over the church: Jesus is the ultimate authority and leader of the body of believers. The body is every church that professes salvation through the virgin birth, the supremacy, authority, and dominion of Christ over all things. By this definition, I’m pretty sure God will help you know some of the churches.

Finally, the church can also be described as the temple of the Holy Spirit. 

2 Corinthians 6:16 says:

“For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.'”

This verse underscores the significance of believers (you and I) being the dwelling place of God and the incredible privilege of having a personal relationship with Him. In other words,  the vessel that hosts God or his government for it to find expression is the church. This means that once you are born again, you carry the Holy Spirit wherever you go as an individual, and you become the  church. 

Say three times ” The church is the gathering of the saints in a place with the aim of ministering to the Lord; it’s also the universal body of Christ which means once I attack a brother or sister in a different church purchased by the blood of Christ,  I attack the same God that dwells in me and above all the church is me myself.

Shalom!

Dr. David Tobi Ogoudou