Ecclesiology has never been the subject of creedal formulation in the same way as other major doctrines.
The twentieth century failure to recognize the importance of ontology has resulted in an existentialist interpretation of the church.
The Episcopal form of church government says that authority resides in the congregation.
In the Presbyterian form of church government the key officer is the bishop.
The congregational system of church government minimizes the role of the individual and of the sovereignty of the local assembly.
The nongovernmental or mystical groups attempt to administer the church on the basis of the priesthood of every believer and the individual leading of the Spirit.
The word “church” is derived from the Greek kuriakos which means “to call out.”
The Greek word ekklesia is usually translated “church” in the New Testament.
The church originated in the Old Testament with the nation of Israel.
The church exists for three reasons only: exaltation, edification, and evangelism.
The word “worship” comes from an ancient Anglo-Saxon word which means “to attribute worth” to someone or something.
Fellowship in the church is accomplished on the basis of doctrinal agreement.
The word “Christian” means “anointed one.”
The metaphor of the church as the body of Christ implies that the church has infallible authority equal to the Scriptures.
The apostles and prophets were foundational to the church in that they were the recipients of foundational revelation.
The word “pastor” comes from a Greek word meaning “shepherd.”
If the Bible does not address a specific issue, the church has the authority to bind or loose to the extent that whatever the church does is considered law in heaven.
One of the seven major images of the church is the “people of God.”
One of the seven major images of the church is the “bride of Christ.”
One of the seven major images of the church is the “Israel of God.”
One of the seven major images of the church is the “vine and branches.”
One of the seven major images of the church is the “priesthood.”
One of the spiritual sacrifices to be offered by the New Testament priesthood is praise and thanksgiving.
One of the spiritual sacrifices to be offered by the New Testament priesthood is tithing.
One of the spiritual sacrifices to be offered by the New Testament priesthood is one’s life.