What is the church

What Is the Church?

The church is the family of God: not a building, but Christ's own people, his body and his bride, called out of the world and joined to him and to one another. These pages explain, warmly and honestly, what the church is, why it matters, and why you were never meant to follow Jesus alone. Every one of them points back to the same Lord, and to a real family you can find and belong to.

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.Matthew 16:18 (KJV)

Start here

What Is the Church? · The church is the people of God

The Body of Christ · One body, many members

The Bride of Christ · Loved with a costly love

The Local and Universal Church · One church, gathered near you

Why Go to Church? · You were not meant to follow Jesus alone

The Marks and Mission of the Church · What the church does

Church Leadership · Shepherds who serve

The Church Is People, Not Perfect · A family of the forgiven

Wherever you begin, the invitation is the same. The church is not a club for the perfect but a home for the forgiven, and there is room in it for you. When you are ready, do not just read about the family, find it: look for a real church near you and walk in.

You have a family, come and find it

The church is the people of God, and there is room in it for you. Do not walk with Jesus alone. Find a real church near you, and join the living family of God on The Living Bread. Free, with no ads, for all people.

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