I did a quick search of ‘church’ on wikipedia.org and was directed to a definition that focused on church buildings or architecture. But is that what church is? While wikipedia’s online encyclopedia brought me to a page that focused on church architecture, it did state the following:

“The word “church” is derived through Middle and Old English cirice, circe from the Greek κυριακον (δωμα) Lord’s (house). However, most English versions of the New Testament use the word “church” to translate ecclesia (Greek ἐκκλησία “congregation, assembly”, a word originally used without specific reference to religious gatherings).”

Looking at the New Testament use of ‘church,’ ‘ecclesia,’ Fausset’s Bible Dictionary states:

“Ekkleesia in the New Testament never means the building or house of assembly, because church buildings were built long AFTER the apostolic age. It means an organized body, whose unity does not depend on its being met together in one place; not an assemblage of atoms, but members in their several places united to the One Head, Christ, and forming one organic living whole (1 Cor. 12). The bride of Christ (Eph. 5:25-32; 1:22), the body of which He is the Head.”

Going to the New Testament:

Acts describes what the assembly of believers, the church, would look like “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common.” ~~Acts 2:42-44

1 Peter 2:9-10 gives us more to consider with, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

So, what’s your view of church?

What about a small group of people, friends, gathered at a friend’s house? Could this be church?

I believe so.  The kids were sitting all around us. We sang songs.

We talked about what was going on in our lives, and what was going on in the lives of those around us. We talked about how we were created for so much more.

We read ancient texts. We let the words we read whisper to our souls. We connected with the ancients.

We reflected on who we think we are and who we were created to be.

We shared a meal…and remembered the most extreme act of love.

We painted a future full of promise, life and light.

©2005 ginny rogers