Theology Terms Explained: “Ecclesiology”
In this series on the blog, we’re providing sound doctrine for everyday people by providing you with clear and simple definitions that will strengthen your theological foundation. Each article covers 4 categories including:
The Term – We lay out how it’s pronounced.
The Definition – We provide the Merriam-Webster definition and an everyday version.
The Biblical Connection – We show you where the term connects with Scripture.
Used in an Everyday Conversation – We use it in a basic conversation.
Here we go!
The Term
“Ecclesiology”
ec·cle·si·ol·o·gy
The Definition
Merriam Webster: The study of church architecture and adornment; the theological doctrine relating to the church.
FTG’s Expanded Explanation: Ecclesiology is the study of the church and deals with all aspects of the church including its purpose, structure, ordinances, and more. Ecclesiology is a very important doctrine because it deals with the mission that God has given to us while here on earth. While some aspects of ecclesiology do not directly impact salvation, the way we honor God’s instructions as His church could make all the difference in the world — and in eternity. If you’ve ever wondered about the vast differences between the way some churches operate, their differences can fall under several theological categories, but ecclesiology will most certainly be one of them.
The Biblical Connection
In the New Testament, there are many passages that connect to ecclesiology. Here are several and the topic they specifically deal with:
Matthew 16:18 — Jesus builds the church. This is vital truth because many people today try to build a crowd by using many clever and creative methods, but this does not mean Christ is building His church. This passage is also a reminder that even when persecution is rampant or we are discouraged, Jesus is building His church.
Acts 2:42 — The church was devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, and the breaking of bread together. At its very core, the church is not about music style, sports programs, or fancy buildings, even if those things factor into what happens on a church campus each week. The church is a group of believers devoted to biblical teaching, spending time growing together, remembering the Lord’s death and resurrection, and prayer. A passage like this helps us remember the core aspects of what the church must do.
1 Timothy 3 — This chapter is devoted to laying out the qualifications for the two church offices of elder and deacon. Qualified leaders are essential to proper ecclesiology in the church. If you have leaders who do not measure up to 1 Timothy 3, it doesn’t matter how influential, trendy, pithy, or educated they are, the church will veer off course.
1 Corinthians 12:12-27 — Paul explains that the church is a body and we are members of one another and of Christ. We function together, serve one another, use our gifts to build up the body, and bring glory to God through it all. This is what it means to be a “church member” and this is where many churches get the foundation for their membership process. People in a church should be knowing and being knowing.
Further Study: Romans 12; Hebrews 13; 1 Peter 5:1-4
Used in Everyday Conversation
“I have been studying biblical ecclesiology so that I can properly discern what kind of church I should be a part of. There are so many out there, I want to make sure I am joining a biblical one.”
“You're inviting a host of issues if you are a church leader who thinks ecclesiology is a waste of time. Jesus will hold church leaders accountable for their ecclesiological methods, especially when they use worldly ones.”
