Ecclesiology 101

"Ecclesiology" is a big theological sounding word (because it is a theological word) that is about the theology of gathering together: the theology of the Church. It deals with liturgy (worship), sacraments, structure, leadership, and mission, to name a few. It basically seeks to answer questions like: What does the church "do"? What does the Church look like? How is the church led? How does the Church gather and celebrate? What are the key values associated with the Church?

Everyone has an ecclesiology, just like everyone has a "theology." Everyone believes something about God and the Church, even if they claim to believe nothing. When the Church gathers -- or does not gather -- there is a message being sent. We as Christians are sending messages to interested and even causal observers about this gathering of called disciples of Jesus that Jesus invented (see Matthew 16) and gave instructions to (Matthew 28; Acts 1 and 2; etc.) and entrusted to His disciples to help oversee and launch toward the future (see pretty much all the New Testament!).

I believe the most important ecclesiology question in most of our churches today is this: Is our ecclesiology (doctrine of what the Church is all about) rooted deeply in our christology (the doctrine of what Jesus Christ is all about)? Or, is it rooted in other things? Sadly, many writers, pastors, and even casual observers have experienced an ecclesiology rooted in the following:

Ecclesiology Rooted in Friendships Alone -- This kind of ecclesiology is one that is only part of the story. Of course, the Church of Jesus Christ is meant to deepen relationships and help create lifelong friendships. However, if friendship alone is the focus, then the Church can quickly become a club of like-minded people that excludes those who are not their friends. Acts 15 addresses some dangers of this, when a certain group in the early church made demands that new converts (Gentiles) first become like them before they could truly be part of the Church. Thankfully, the leadership of the Church, seeking a Christ-centered model, prevailed. Today, this kind of Friend-based Ecclesiology produces cliques, and often sees the maintenance of current relationships as the highest order of mission for the Church. The New Testament model, however, has a different key focus -- namely, allowing the Spirit of God to create a community based upon the love of Jesus Christ and fellowship that flows from mutual submission to Christ and to one another.

Politics-Based Ecclesiology Keeping rules, doing things through proper channels, and giving honor to those who have served for a long time, are all important values. But, when they become the CORE values of a worshiping community more important emphases tend to get lost. No other ultimate authority except for Christ and His mission as expressed in Scripture should be the "final word." The authority of Christ and His mission should supercede someone's money, tenure, personality, or other influence. When it does not, a bastardized ecclesiology develops that tears the congregation "between two masters."

Charisma-Based Ecclesiology Pastors and other leaders with strong and dynamic personalities should be especially wary of this one. This approach tends to "push through" programs, decisions, and approaches to mission based primiarly (if not solely) upon the likeability or gifting of one or a few people. Again, honoring the gifts and personalities of others is a good thing, until it becomes the driving force of church life. Relying simply on strong personalities sets the church up for a fall if/when these kinds of leaders fail or leave the fellowship. Furthermore, following strong personalities alone can short circuit or circumvent the need for a more fully involved church and a thorough process of prayer before moving forward.

These are just a few examples of ecclesiological models that are and have been destructive in church life. I know that there are others. I also know that any ecclesiology not centered in the Triune God and based in the person and mission of Jesus Christ falls short of what the Bible calls "the Church." May we recapture a true, Christ-centered, Spirit-led ecclesiology that takes seriously the call to love as Jesus did.

-- Charles W. Christian