What is the Definition of Church?
Comes from the Greek word ‘ekkelesia’, which is defined as “an assembly” or “ones who are called out.” The root meaning of “church” is not that of a building, but of people.
Church is…
Church is the People of God:
Description: The Church is a community formed by Baptism, with Jesus Christ as its head.
Key Points:
- Open to all; membership gained through Baptism.
- Headed by Jesus Christ.
- Mission to bring salt (preserving influence) and light (Christ’s illumination) to the world.
Church is the Body of Christ:
Description: The Church is the body of believers with Christ as its head, fostering communion and diverse contributions.
Key Points:
- Unity in diversity, like body parts.
- Growth in love and virtues.
- Headed by Christ; members contribute distinct gifts.
Church is the Bride of Christ:
Description: The Church is intimately related to Christ as a bride to her groom, with Christ’s self-sacrificial love.
Key Points:
- Christ’s sacrificial love for the Church.
- The Church and Christ as one flesh.
- Signifies God’s intimate relationship with humanity.
Church is the Temple of the Holy Spirit:
Description: The Church is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, the source of life, unity, and empowerment.
Key Points:
- Believers as the temple of God.
- Holy Spirit as the soul of the Church.
- Holy Spirit’s role in liturgy, virtues, and mission.
Church is the Head of the Body:
Description: Christ is the head of the Church, guiding and unifying its members.
Key Points:
- Christ gives life and direction to the Church.
- Church members grow toward Christ.
- Unity in Christ transcends divisions.
Church is a Sacrament:
Description: The Church is a sacrament, a visible sign of the invisible grace of salvation.
Key Points:
- Church as a visible sign of God’s invisible grace.
- The sacramentality of Jesus Christ.
- Universal sacrament of salvation, emphasizing communion and unity.
The Missionary Goals of Jesus
Evangelize - bringing the Good News of salvation; the invitation to join in the partnership with God.
Baptize - accepting the invitation and setting our sites on fulfilling the partnership of Jesus’ mission.
Social Justice - bringing love, care, forgiveness, peace and justice for the those who suffer injustices
Meaning of Evangelization
The proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through word and witness.
Meaning of Disciple
A disciple or follower of Jesus is first called to know him, to follow him, and to experience a profound mystery of God’s love. Christian discipleship is based on the new law of love that embraces the whole human family and knows no limits.
5 Actions of the Church
* Our mission is to serve, especially those who are most in need of help - following the example of Jesus who came not to rule but to serve.
6 Models of the Church
Focuses on institutional elements such as offices, doctrines, laws, and rituals.
Visible structures, hierarchy, authority derived from the deposit of faith.
Emphasizes the people who make up the Church and their connectedness with each other and with God.
Stress on spirituality, community, fellowship, seen in local parishes, school communities, and youth groups.
Views the Church as the continuing presence of Christ, a visible sign of God’s grace to the world.
Bridges the outer and inner dimensions of the Church, expressed in liturgies, communal prayer, and service.
Emphasizes the Church as a herald, passing on the message of Christ through proclamation.
Focus on the importance of hearing and proclaiming the scriptures, mission to preach the word.
Highlights the Church’s role in social transformation and service to the world.
Engaged in works of charity and justice, based on the ministry of Jesus, serves the larger human family.
Integrates elements of other models, focusing on discipleship and personal growth in faith.
Emphasizes learning, individual accountability, and growth in faith, seen in Catholic education, Bible study groups, and sacramental preparation.