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Church, small groups and private Christianity

by Adam Bennett  
4/06/2009 / Church Life

The Greek word translated in the New Testament as 'church' is ecclesia, meaning "assembly". JI Packer says, "Essentially, the church is, was, and always will be a single worshiping community, permanently gathered in the true sanctuary which is the heavenly Jerusalem, the place of God's presence." (Concise Theology)

Church is something we are rather than something we attend. The Bible describes it as a body (Romans 12:5) and specifically Christ's body (1 Corinthians 12:27); a dwelling or temple (Ephesians 2:21); a flock (1 Peter 5:2); and a family (1 Peter 4:17).

These images help us understand that we are united into one organism, community or structure. One day the current spiritual reality of this single assembly will be visible and we will see all the saints meeting around the throne in heaven (Hebrews 12:23).

Until then, in recognition of this singleness, Christians are drawn together into local assemblies. These gatherings of the true church are not necessarily the organisations which bear the sign 'church'.

While circumstances prevent some people from participation, a fundamental principle is that Christianity must be lived in relationship to God and other people (Luke 10:27).


Private meditation, prayer and reflection are important disciplines; however they do not substitute for gathering with other Christians. Paul said explicitly that we should not neglect to meet together (Hebrews 10:25).

Christians gather:

-for encouragement (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
-for mutual accountability (Ephesians 5:21)
-for spiritual development (1 Corinthians 14:12,26)
-for service (Hebrews 10:24)
-as a witness (John 13:35)
-to express gratitude and praise including through song (Ephesians 5:19)
-to remember and proclaim Jesus through the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
-read scripture (1 Timothy 4:13)
-to hear apostolic teaching and pray (Acts 2:42)
-for fellowship (Romans 12:10)

Succinctly phrased, the objective of the church is that, "we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:13 ESV)


Some people express their preference for meeting in small, home-based groups rather than traditional church attendance. The method of meeting is a secondary concern provided it emphasises the God-glorifying purposes of the church rather than personal comfort and indulgence.

With regard to this two observations might be helpful. First; in acknowledging that the church bridges denominational, social, cultural and every other distinction to draw believers together into Christ (Ephesians 2:14); any gathering which is too homogeneous has the potential to produce a distorted perspective of the Christian community.


This can happen in larger congregations as well, but in view of how small groups form it may be more likely in that context.

Secondly, it is possible that by limiting exposure to a small group of Christians, people could impoverish themselves through isolation from the wisdom and gifting that might be found in a broader congregation.

It is unrealistic to think any single structure or gathering will achieve all that is beneficial or desired. It would be wise for Christians to connect to one another in diverse ways to ensure we all attain to maturity "to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

Copyright Adam Bennett 2009. More articles are available at http://godward-thoughts.blogspot.com/

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