Sometimes, we use words incorrectly. We may use one word when we actually mean another. For example, we may say “peruse” when we mean “skim,” or we may say “ironic” when we mean “coincidental.” A similar thing happens in religious jargon. We have become conditioned to use certain words regardless of their correctness. One of the most prolifically misused terms is the word “church.” And what I want to do at the outset of this series on membership is define what church is and is not.

Matthew 16:13-18 (ESV)

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hellshall not prevail against it.

Lesson Resources:

Rick Atchley. “Remember to Member.” Sermon presented at The Hills Church, North Richland Hills, TX, 2012.

Andy Stanley. Deep and Wide. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012.

https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/ekklesia.html. Last Accessed February 4, 2025.