When talking with people about what is “church” I often hear someone say, “But hey, the Bible says ‘where two are gathered in Jesus’ name, I am with you.’ People will often use this phrase to describe how a small group is a church. Yet, the context of that passage has nothing to do with what a church is or what a church does. In Matt 18:19-20 the context is correcting another believer and prayer, not what is or is not a church.
Photo Credit: Peter’s First Preaching (The Bible and Its Story, vol 10)
With that said, let’s look at what the church actually is. From my understanding of the Bible there are seven key elements of a church.
I. MAKE DISCIPLES
First, the church is commanded to go into all nations and make disciples.
