Ecclesia: The Universal Church and the Meaning of Fellowship

The word Ecclesia (ἐκκλησία) is a Greek term derived from ek (out of) and kaleo (to call). It means “the called-out ones” or “an assembly.” It refers to a gathering of believers who have been called out from the world to belong to Christ and to function as His body on earth.

The concept of Ecclesia is foundational to understanding what it means to be the Church, how we fellowship, and our mission as the Body of Christ. Let’s break this down with Scripture.

The Meaning of Ecclesia

The word Ecclesia is used consistently throughout the New Testament to describe both the universal body of believers and the local gatherings of Christians.

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says:
“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church (Ecclesia), and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”

This reveals that the Church belongs to Christ, built upon the foundation of faith in Him, and is both spiritual and unstoppable. The Church is not a building but a people.

Paul echoes this truth in Colossians 1:18:
“And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.”

The Church is described as a living body where Christ is the head, and we, the believers, are its members.

What It Means to Be the Church

Being the Church means being the body of Christ, functioning together as His representation on earth. We are called to unity, love, and mutual service.

Romans 12:4-5 explains:
“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”

1 Corinthians 12:27 states:
“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.”

Each believer plays a role in the health and mission of the Church. Some teach, some encourage, some serve, but all are vital (1 Corinthians 12:12-26).

Fellowship and the Purpose of Gathering

The purpose of Christian fellowship (koinonia – κοινωνία) is deeper than casual gatherings; it is a shared life centered around Christ.

Acts 2:42 provides the model for biblical fellowship:
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

Fellowship includes:

Teaching: Growing in the Word together.

Breaking Bread: Sharing meals, including Communion.

Prayer: Corporate and personal prayer.

Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the importance of not neglecting fellowship:
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

The Mission of the Church

The Church exists to glorify God and make disciples of all nations.

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20):
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”

Our mission includes:

Preaching the Gospel (Mark 16:15).

Making Disciples (2 Timothy 2:2).

Serving the Needy (James 1:27).

Equipping Believers (Ephesians 4:11-13).

The Importance of Not Forsaking Fellowship

The early church understood the power of gathering. Fellowship strengthens faith, accountability, and spiritual growth. Neglecting it can lead to spiritual isolation and vulnerability.

Proverbs 27:17 reminds us:
“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

The Church is meant to function as a family, bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and encouraging one another in faith (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

The Universal Church vs. The Local Church

The Bible makes a clear distinction between the universal Church and the local church. Both expressions of Ecclesia are significant and serve unique roles within God’s design for His people.

The Universal Church

The universal Church (Ecclesia) refers to the entire body of believers across all times and places who are united in Christ. This Church is spiritual and transcends physical boundaries.

Ephesians 1:22-23 describes the universal Church:
“And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

The universal Church consists of all who have been born again and belong to Christ, regardless of denomination, culture, or location. It is the bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7-9), the global body that will one day be presented to Him blameless and without spot (Ephesians 5:25-27).

The Local Church

The local church, also called Ecclesia, is the physical gathering of believers in a specific location for worship, teaching, fellowship, and service. The New Testament is filled with references to local churches established in various cities.

Acts 14:23 reveals the pattern of establishing local churches:
“So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”

Paul frequently wrote to specific local churches, such as:

The church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:2).

The church in Ephesus (Ephesians 1:1).

The church in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:1).

The universal Church is incomplete without the expression of local churches, as the local church provides the context for spiritual growth, service, and community under biblical leadership.

My Final Thoughts

The Church, the Ecclesia, is not a building but a people — the called-out assembly of believers united in Christ. Fellowship is essential for spiritual health, mutual encouragement, and fulfilling the mission of making disciples. As the body of Christ, we are to gather, grow, and go, always remembering that we belong to Him and each other. If you are part of the body of Christ, you have a role to play — do not neglect the fellowship, but lean into it for strength and growth.

Help Support The Ministry:

________________

 

OTHER ARTICLES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN:

________________

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our Unforsaken community and receive biblical encouragement, deep Bible studies, ministry updates, exclusive content, and special offers—right to your inbox.

Praise the Lord! You have subscribed!