Though we often focus on the physical aspects of the church, the Bible consistently presents the church as a community of believers—an ecclesia of divine design. Church buildings are secondary, while the church as a people is richly described by Jesus, Paul, Peter, and others in profound ways. The church is a temple, a broken yet beautiful body, a close-knit family, a home of the Spirit, and a radiant bride. This course meditates on these metaphors, exploring what they reveal about the nature and mission of the church today. Led by our elders, we will reflect on how these images shape our understanding of community, worship, and service. As we celebrate the church’s identity and calling, we will be encouraged to embody its biblical essence in our lives and ministries, deepening our appreciation for the divine design that unites us in God’s unfolding story.

Time Commitment
4 weeks
1.5 hours class discussion weekly
3-4 hours preparatory reading, listening, and reflection weekly

Lessons
1. The Family of God & The Pillar and Ground of Truth
2. The Temple of the Living God & The Royal Priesthood
3. The Life of the Body of Christ & The Flock of Jesus
4. The Mission of the Church & The Bride of Christ

Registration Notes

This course is open to ministers and their wives.
It can be taken as a pulpit team, or when there are enough individuals who've registered, a class will be scheduled.
Suggested class size: 4-12 participants.
The facilitator should be an elder or an ETR staff person.

Role Required

You must be with an AC Central account that has at least one of the following roles:

MinisterElderElder's WifeMinister's Wife

ACCA Doctrine: Church

Role Required