What is the definition of church and its purpose?

Hello Sarah

Definition of the Word (Church)

Let's start with the word church. The Greek word that we translate church is (ekklessia). Its' simple definition is: "a called out assembly."

So what is a called out assembly especially in the context of Christians? To make sense of this thought let's think about the world of people as we know it.

America has a population of about 300 million people. Within these people their are groups that are distinct from the others.You might say they are a group within the American population.

The Air Force is a group of people within the 300 million. It is a group that is part of the three hundred million yet having a separate identity and a separate purpose.

Christians are a group (called out assembly) within the population of not just America but also the rest of the world.That is why we find statements in the Bible like the one Jesus made in the book of John. That we are in the world but not of the world (John 17:11,14+16).

When we refer to the church it can be something small like a group of believer's that meet in a house for fellowship, study and edification . It can also refer to a large congregation or several congreations in a city or region. Like when Paul refered to the church(s) in Galatia (Galatians 1:2). It can also refer to the aggregate of all the churchs in a country or even world wide.

The Purpose of the Church

The general purpose of all believers in GOD is stated in several places including(Matthew 5:16)
"In the same way let your light shine before men
that they may see your good deeds and
glorify your Father in heaven."

The specific purpose of Christians is to do everything we can to bring as many people as possible to salvation in Christ.Then having done that to do everything in our power to cause them to grow into spiritual maturity.(Mark 16:15,Matt. 28:18-20)
"He said to them,
Go into all the world and preach the gospel
to all creation"

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations
Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit"

I hope this has answered your question adequately Sarah.

Don
Daniel 12:3