Sunday Morning Class - Roles in the Church
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class opened with a quiz that challenged familiar ideas about the term "church," revealing that the biblical word ekklesia means an assembly, congregation, or called‑out people, not a building or a denominational institution. Larry Johnson explained how early English translations rendered ekklesia as "congregation," while later translations adopted "church," a shift influenced by historical and political motives, including the preferences of King James I. This linguistic evolution, he noted, contributed to hierarchical church structures and misconceptions that "church" refers to a physical edifice or a specific denomination. He then outlined the purpose and mission of the local church, emphasizing three core functions: evangelize (Matthew 28:19), edify (Romans 14:19), and glorify (Ephesians 3:10). Each function was tied to the believers' responsibilities within the assembly, encouraging cooperation among members and with other congregations worldwide. The class concluded by urging participants to identify their unique roles—formal or informal—in the church’s governance and service, reminding them that the true church is the community of believers gathered under Christ’s headship, tasked with making disciples, building up one another, and revealing God’s wisdom.
Key Scriptures
I will build my church.