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IN THIS CHAPTER

Building the Church on the rock of Peter

Working together as an organic whole

Embracing the four marks of the Church

Recognizing the Church’s missions

Looking at the spiritual perks of membership

The Gospels were originally written in Greek; the Greek word ekklesia translates into the English word “church.” But ekklesia isn’t limited to a building where believers worship — it also means the gathering of believers themselves. The Gospels’ notion of church is much more organic and people-related — it’s not just a physical structure with a steeple and bell tower.

In the fuller sense of the word, the Church is an assembly of people who share a common faith or belief; it is a building made not of stones but of flesh and blood (called “living stones” in the Bible). In other words, people make the Church what it is. In this chapter, we explain how the Church was established, its mission, the benefits of membership, and much more.