Church of Christ

by John Parker

The phrase "church of Christ" is by far the most common term used today to designate the Lord's church. While there are other Biblical terms ("church of God," I Corinthians 1:2; "body of Christ," I Corinthians 12:27, and others), this phrase is the most familiar and most used. But it is also one of the most misused, and we could all help the cause of the church to be sure to use it correctly ourselves.

The words "church of Christ" are intended to denote possession of the church by Christ. Just as the words "Smith's house" or "house of Smith" express that the house belongs to him, so do the words "church of Christ" signify that the church belongs to Christ, just as would the phrase "Christ's church." The phrase is in the plural form in Romans 16:16: "The churches of Christ salute you."

Instead of using the words as a descriptive phrase indicating possession, however, many people unthinkingly use them as name for the church, a practice not found in the Bible. Jesus never gave His church, the body belonging to him. For example, in Matthew 16:18 he said "I will build my church."

Often we hear people use "Church of Christ" as if it were one church among many, as in "He's Methodist, he's Baptist, and I'm Church-of-Christ." This use is incorrect on at least two counts. First, it implies the Lord's church is one of several denominations. Seconds, it turns the phrase of Romans 16:16 into a name when the Lord never gave it one in that sense.

Nor is it correct to use the phrase as an adjective, as in "Church-of-Christ beliefs" or, oddly, "Church-of-Christ church." This lack of clarity in language confuses people's concept of the church. Rather than use this Biblical and beloved phrase in such a fashion, let's use it as the apostle Paul did, to show that the church belongs to Christ.

• Are We Just Another Denomination? -Jun 30, 1996
• What is the Church Talked about in the New Testament? -Oct 31, 1995
• What is the Restoration Movement? -Feb 05, 1995
• The Danger of Denominationalism -Sep 04, 1994
• Does the Church of Christ Believe It is the Only One Going to Heaven? -Jan 25, 1990