Ecclesiology 2022: Biblical Essentials for the Church

"Biblical Essentials for the Church" outlines the foundational principles for the Church's identity, mission, and purpose, rooted in the authority of Jesus Christ. Christ is the head of the Church, which is His body, and the Church is called to submit to His lordship in all things (Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23-24).

 

The Church's mission, defined by the Great Commission, is to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe Christ's commands, relying on His continuous presence (Matthew 28:18-20). The Church's message centers on the gospel—Christ's death, burial, and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins—and the ministry of reconciliation, urging people to be reconciled to God through Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Romans 1:16). The Church is one body with many members, each playing a vital role in its function, and is called to care for one another while maintaining purity and discipline within the body (1 Corinthians 12:12-26; 5:12-13).

 

Paul's approach to ministry, marked by suffering and faithful stewardship of the gospel, serves as a model for the Church's commitment to sacrificial service and the proclamation of God's Word (Colossians 1:24-25). Together, these scriptures provide a comprehensive blueprint for the Church's identity, mission, and message, emphasizing the necessity of Christ's lordship, the unity of believers, and the faithful proclamation of the gospel.