What is ecclesiasticism?

Response

Ecclesiology refers to a commitment to church forms and practices, which some might consider an excessive preoccupation. In simpler terms, ecclesiology describes someone who deeply values the specifics of church practice or holds strong beliefs about the way church activities are conducted.

Historically, many churches adhered to set forms in their liturgy and other customs. However, in recent times, there has been a significant increase in freedom and diversity, with certain churches boasting of having no set forms or customs. Nevertheless, even these churches and their leaders have particular concerns and beliefs about what should or should not be practiced within the church.

Every individual involved in a church engages with ecclesiology to some extent. When individuals seek a church to attend or join, they typically look for a place that fulfills their requirements and provides a comfortable environment for their participation. This inclination is not necessarily negative, depending on the needs they aim to satisfy and the atmosphere in which they feel at ease. If the main requirement is community, connecting with others, and opportunities to serve humanity, numerous churches (as well as secular organizations and clubs) can fulfill those needs—although this is not the primary purpose of the church as outlined in the Bible.

So, what is the main purpose of the church? What guidance does the Bible offer on the purpose and conduct of the church?

In evangelicalism over the past fifty years, there has been a focus on the “seeker service.” In this ministry model, the primary aim of the church service is to create a welcoming space for spiritual seekers. They encounter friendly individuals and are not confronted with unfamiliar liturgy or terminology that might cause discomfort. The music played is popular and at times even includes sec

Particular. The entire service is designed to address the felt needs of unbelieving seekers to encourage them to take a closer look at Christianity. For these churches, the aim of the church service is evangelism, and the target audience is the seeker.

Other churches emphasize that the church service is for believers, with the primary goal being to worship God (something an unbeliever cannot do) and to learn from God’s Word. Unbelievers are welcome, but they may not feel entirely comfortable, and that is acceptable. They are observers, not active participants. The focus is on God, and believers engage through worship. (Listening to the Word of God being proclaimed is part of worship.) Evangelism occurs outside the church as Christians are equipped and encouraged to share the gospel with friends and neighbors.

Regarding ecclesiasticism, determining the intended audience appears to be the most crucial question. The response to this question will dictate the actions and methods employed. If the seeker is the target, then efforts will be made to maintain their interest, with a high priority placed on “entertainment value.” However, if the audience is God, and those present are there out of love for God, then entertainment becomes significantly less important.

Our ecclesiasticism should be guided by the Bible. In the New Testament, there is no instance of a church service specifically tailored for seekers. Certainly, individuals like Paul did address unbelievers in public settings and appealed to them, but once a church was established, the focus shifted to believers, acknowledging that occasionally unbelievers might be present «and thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. », (1 Corinthians 14:25).

Early Christians were “devoted” to the following activities, as outlined in Acts 2:42–47:

• Li

Listening to the apostles’ teaching (today, that is found in the Bible)

• Fellowship

• Breaking bread (this may refer to a common meal or to the Lord’s Supper. Often, the two occurred together, as reported in 1 Corinthians)

• Prayer

• Sharing with each other as they had need (an additional aspect of fellowship, which also involved giving—perhaps taking up an offering)

• Eating together from house to house (fellowship outside the church service)