What is Church? The English word “church” comes from the Greek word “ekklesia,” which means “a gathering” or “an assembly” or literally “called out ones.” It was a word used to refer to any gathering or congregation – not only a religious one. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus used “ekklesia” when describing a future congregation of people he would gather. He said to his disciple, Peter, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock (Peter’s confession of faith) I will build my church, and the gates of Hades (Death) will not overpower it.” Jesus’ church would be a gathering of “called out ones” from the world who would become his disciples (followers).
Perhaps Vineyard Church leader, John Wimber, said it best …
“The Church is not the building, it’s the people, it’s not just the gathering, it’s also the scattering.”
We hope you’ll join us by following along by using the What Is Church Study Guide the How to Launch a DBS Guide.
