Title: The Church Is Not a Building: A Biblical and Theological Reflection on Ecclesiology
Author: Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Affiliation: Shimba Theological Institute, New York, NY
Abstract
Many contemporary Christians mistakenly equate the term "church" with a physical structure. However, a biblical understanding reveals a much deeper and spiritually significant meaning. This paper explores the etymological roots, biblical context, and theological implications of the term “church,” highlighting the distinction between institutional edifices and the true spiritual body of Christ. The study further examines the dichotomy between the universal and the local church as taught in the New Testament.
Introduction
The term “church” in modern discourse is often used to refer to a building or a denominational institution. This understanding, however, deviates significantly from the biblical usage and meaning of the term. In its original context, the Greek word ekklesia—translated as “church”—does not refer to a physical structure but to “an assembly” or “those who are called out.” Thus, theologically, the Church is fundamentally a community of believers and not a man-made structure.
1. Etymological and Scriptural Basis
The Greek term ekklesia derives from ek (“out of”) and kaleo (“to call”), meaning "those who are called out." Biblically, the term was used to denote assemblies of believers rather than physical buildings. For instance, Romans 16:5 states, “Greet the church that meets in their house.” Here, the Apostle Paul is clearly referring to the body of believers meeting in a home, not to a constructed temple or formal structure. This aligns with the earliest expressions of Christian community, which gathered in homes, caves, or open spaces rather than designated buildings.
2. The Church as the Body of Christ
The Church is primarily understood as the Body of Christ, with Jesus Himself as the Head. This is affirmed in Ephesians 1:22-23, which declares: “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” This metaphor signifies spiritual unity, divine purpose, and mutual dependence among believers.
Furthermore, the Body of Christ consists of all believers from the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) until the return of Christ. This body is composed of two interrelated dimensions:
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The Universal Church: Includes all who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and have received the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13).
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The Local Church: Refers to smaller congregations or gatherings, such as those mentioned in Galatians 1:1–2, where Paul writes to “the churches of Galatia.” These were not denominational constructs but assemblies of believers gathered for worship, teaching, fellowship, and service.
3. Ecclesiological Implications
Church buildings, denominations (e.g., Baptist, Lutheran, Catholic), and traditions should not be mistaken for the Church in its biblical sense. These are expressions of local congregations within the larger body. The universal Church consists of all those who belong to Christ, regardless of denominational affiliation. However, believers are exhorted to engage in fellowship within local churches to fulfill the biblical mandate of edification and communal support as described in 1 Corinthians 12.
Conclusion
The biblical definition of the Church transcends architecture and denominational boundaries. According to Scripture, the Church is the collective body of believers who have trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation. These believers constitute the universal Church and are called to gather in local assemblies for mutual encouragement, discipleship, and worship. Therefore, the Church is not a building or a religion—it is a spiritual organism composed of the redeemed people of God.
As such, Christian identity and spiritual growth should not be confined to ecclesiastical structures but nurtured within the fellowship of believers in the Spirit of Christ.
References
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The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV).
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Bauer, W. (2001). A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature.
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Grudem, W. (1994). Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Zondervan.
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Bonhoeffer, D. (1954). Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community. Harper & Row.
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Stott, J. (1999). The Living Church: Convictions of a Lifelong Pastor. IVP Books.
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Carson, D. A., & Keller, T. (2012). The Gospel as Center: Renewing Our Faith and Reforming Our Ministry Practices. Crossway.
Correspondence:
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Founder and Director, Shimba Theological Institute
New York, NY, USA
Email: info@shimbatheological.org
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