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Ron Writes

It’s easy to think that “Church of Christ” is the name of the church. It’s not! It’s a description of God’s people.  Part of the confusion begins with the English word “church”. It translates the Greek word “ekklēsia” which means an assembly or the called out. This is made even more complicated since one of the definitions of this English word “church” is a building. People compliment us for having such a nice church. I think you are all nice, but they’re usually complimenting the nice brick and laminated wood beams of our building. While “church” may refer to a building, “ekklēsia” never does. Biblically, “church” refers to a gathering of God’s people. Some have tried to clarify this by putting on the sign in front of their building “the church of Christ meets here.”  

The church is described in many ways. In my personal study through Ephesians, I’ve noticed Paul using many terms. In just this one letter he speaks of Christ being the head of the church which is His body (Eph 1:22-23). The body of Christ is a great way to describe us. There’s one body made up of many members just like our physical body. We are described as “God’s household” (Eph 2:19). We are God’s family. He also refers to us as a “holy temple” (Eph 2:21). Collectively, we are blocks being fitted and joined together as a place for God to dwell. Then, of course, he refers to us as a “church” (Eph 1:22). An assembly of God’s people. An assembly that belongs to Christ, or a “church of Christ” (Rom. 16:16).  

Here's a typical illustration I have used: I’m wearing a shirt, but it doesn’t have a name. It has many descriptions. It’s my shirt, so it’s Ron’s shirt. It’s a cotton shirt. It’s a plaid shirt. It’s mostly a blue shirt. It’s a shirt made by Izod. It’s a   medium shirt. And there are many other ways to describe it. This is true of the Lord’s people as well. It can be described as a church, body, household, temple, assembly or whatever – but there is not a name or singular way to refer to it.