What is a Church Like?

By Sam on January 29, 2009 in ministry, sam reflects

I taught Bible Instruction (confirmation?) Class last night to a room full of overly-talkative kids who had a thousand other things to talk about, so when I talked about the Church I tried to do what the Bible does – paint a series of pictures and metaphors that help us to grasp what a church is like. Some of my favorites…

God’s Home… 1 Ti 3:15 God’s household, which is the church of the living God.

God’s Kingdom… Col 1:13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.

God’s Flock…. 1 Pe 5:2-4 - Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them —not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; %%1516%% not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. %%1718%% And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

God’s Army… 2 Ti 2:3-4 – Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs; rather, they try to please their commanding officer.

I think perhaps because I work at a church, it’s really easy to forget what a Church really is suppose to be like. – I’m thankful for a reminder every now and again.

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Edith Sherland

Perhaps you need to talk on their level, not so churchy. I do not know you very well, but between Pastors I taught confirmation. I had a great time, and several have told me how they wished I could have continued, instead of the new Pastor. They are at a great, formidal age. Give them some to talk to you, then get down to the lesson at hand. Just trying to give a helpful hint.
Grace

Hi Sam,
I was reading Matthew the other day and the word “church” popped into view. I said to myself “wait a minute. this is the first time i belive “church” is mentioned ever in the Bible” Then I started to wonder what is the original meaning or word that Jesus used to relay His view of “church”. This passage was in Matthew 16:18 where Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ. Then “church” is mentioned again Matthew 18:17 where Jesus says “tell it to the church” if a brother sins and refuses to listen. did the disciples understand when Jesus said “church”? The disciples were Jewish so what was their understanding?
http://www.suttersage.com Sam

Edith – Always good advice – actually, what my post missed saying is that the word-pictures really helped students to imagine what a church should be like far better than more theological language, and the night ended better than it started. (I might say that your grandson had some really helpful things to say while I’m at it)

Grace – Church (ἐκκλησίαν) is a bit of a slippery word in Greek – is basically means “assembly.” – Some try break it down (ἐκ – out of) (κλησ – called) but I suspect Jesus could use it without his disciples thinking about a formal institution. ἐκκλησίαν is sometimes really generic – for example, Luke uses the word to talk about the political mob in acts.
Ashley

I’m glad you came to my church