Journal: Ashland Theological Journal
Volume: ATJ 19:1 (NA 1987)
Article: The Church
Author: David Kornfield

ATJ 19 (1987) p. 83

The Church

David Kornfield

I. Self Assessment Worksheet Regarding Belief And Practice About The Church

Three keys in understanding the church follow below. As you respond to each one, circle the following number that you feel best reflects your grasp of that point.

1. I hardly know how to do this.
2. I understand this a little.
3. I somewhat understand this.
4. I understand this well.
5. I understand this very well.
6. I understand this very well and could teach it to others.

A. I know what the church is. I can define it in 25 words or less. (Try it, see how you do!)

Scale: 1 2 3 4 5 6

B. I know why the local church is important. I can identify at least three reasons which convince me of why God has instituted the local church, rather than having His people just meet in small groups for Bible study or prayer whenever they can. (List below as many reasons as you can.)

1.

2.

ATJ 19 (1987) p. 84

3.

Scale: 1 2 3 4 5 6

C. I know what the main functions of the church are. I can list the three principal priorities of a church (listed below).

1.

2.

3.

Scale: 1 2 3 4 5 6

After going over the above items, take some time to look up Scriptures that you think could help you develop your understanding further. Possible Scriptures include: Matt. 18:20; Acts 2:38–46; 1 Cor. 12–14; Eph. 4:1–17; John 17; 1 Peter 2:9, 10.

Finally, before meeting for discussion, read the following article on the church. Note that anything that especially blesses or challenges you, as well as jotting down any questions you may have. Feel free to discuss these points with others before the discussion meeting.

Scale: 1 2 3 4 5 6

ATJ 19 (1987) p. 85

II. Theological Reflections

With the emphasis on body life and spiritual gifts these days the bookstores are flooded with books on the church. And, compared to other nations, the United States is flooded with churches. So it would seem that the church ought to be rather self-explanatory. However, different books say different things and churches represent different concepts of what the church ...