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Christ Life World Outreach Centre Northampton - When most people hear the word church they probably think of a building. Maybe it is a fancy building or a simple building where believers gather. But biblically speaking, a church is much more than a building. In fact, some would say that the church is not a building at all, but is all about the people. But what is the church? The area of theology that seeks to understand all aspects of the church is known as ecclesiology. It is derived from the Greek word ekklesia that is a general term referring to a gathering or assembly. There are a number of aspects to the subject of ecclesiology, but this article will focus on defining the term church, understanding its nature and purpose, looking at some biblical images of the church and emphasizing church unity on essential truths.
What is the Christian Church?
The early Christian church had no buildings, at least not in the sense of what we would consider church buildings today. First century Christians were often persecuted and, as a result, often met in secret usually in homes. As the influence of Christianity spread, eventually buildings dedicated to worship were established and became what we know today as churches. In this sense, then, the church consists of people not buildings. Fellowship, worship and ministry are all conducted by people, not buildings. Church structures facilitate the role of God’s people, but they do not fulfill it.

Northampton Christian Events Calendar https://www.ministersstandingtogether.co.uk/northampton
Northampton Christian church directory http://www.ministersstandingtogether.co.uk/Northampton
Christian Church directory http://www.ministersstandingtogether.co.uk
Christian Events Calendar http://www.ministersstandingtogether.co.uk
Churches in Northampton http://www.ministersstandingtogether.co.uk