Nature of the Church
Definition
The church is the new covenant people of God, rooted in the promises to Israel and inaugurated by the Holy Spirit, which refers both to all believers in Jesus Christ, both living and dead, and to local gatherings of believers.
Summary
The church is the new covenant people of God. The word church can be used to refer both to all believers, both living and dead (universal church), and to individual local gatherings of believers (local church). The church has its roots in the promises made to God’s people in the Old Testament, particularly that God would bless the world through Abraham’s offspring. While there is continuity between the Old Testament people of God and the church, the church is the community of Jesus, new at Pentecost. As such, the church is the fulfillment of God’s promise to the prophets that he would make a new and better covenant with his people and write his law on their hearts. The mission of the church is the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18–20): to go out into the world with the authority of the risen Christ and make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to follow Jesus until he returns, all to the glory of God.
Course
Doctrine of the Church
The Meaning, Marks, Descriptions, Activities, Ministry Roles, and Realities of the Church
Podcasts
Articles
5 Things to Look for in a New Church
Find a good church so you encounter Jesus and help others encounter him.
Let the Church Be the Church! Calvin’s Theology of Social Justice
Calvin’s theology should help the church recover a more faithful gospel witness in the area of social justice.
God Loves Your Messy, Unimpressive Church
In this unpromising place, colored with gray simplicity, Jesus radiated jaw-dropping glory.
What Is This Thing Called Church?
The local church isn’t a piece of the heavenly church—like a tiny chunk broken off a big cookie. Instead, it’s a miniature realization of the whole heavenly thing.
Book Reviews
Your Church Should Make You Feel Uncomfortable
I know how quickly church can turn destructive. That's why I needed this book.
A New Go-To Series on the Church
In a day when many belittle the church’s importance, this series is a breath of fresh air.
Are You a Universal Church-er or a Local Church-er?
Read this book if you’re looking for a good history of ecclesiology; don’t read it if you’re looking for a doctrinal and ministerial path forward for evangelicals.
The Compelling Community
Is community in your church a supernatural phenomenon or a merely natural one?
