Ecclesiology is in its most general sense a study of the doctrines of churches. The word "ecclesiology" is derived from the Greek word ekklesia, which simply meant "a gathering" or "the called-out ones" but which today means "a church body."[1] As Michael J. Vlach points out, however, in the context of early church history, ecclesiology arose when "the church viewed itself as a spiritual society that replaced Israel as the people of God."[2],[3] Jesus used the word ekklesia in Matthew 16:18 when he told Peter "upon this rock I will build My church," and he was referring not only to "a corporate body of human beings" but also to "a spiritual organism."[4] Ritenbaugh points out that as Hebrews 10:25 advises "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together," it is "clearly His will that all those having the Spirit of God be fellowshipping and serving together on a regular basis."[5] Moreover, although people may delude themselves into thinking that they can serve God more effectively if they are free from "the pressures of a congregation," the Word of God indicates otherwise.[6] Thus, ecclesiology and how we see ourselves as part of the body of Christ are pivotal issues in the Christian walk.
As Avery Dulles points out, Christians "have radically different visions of the Church. They are not agreed about what the Church really is."[7] This nebulous understanding of what the church is and what it is about has implications for Church polity, as well. How can the Church or its individual congregations make appropriate decisions at either the corporate or the local levels if there is no agreement on the Church's vision, purpose, or mission? Polity must be shaped by vision, informed by purpose, and launched by mission, or it will become just another dry-bones governing body that wastes everyone's time and accomplishes nothing of value.
In the early Church, Jesus had heartfelt discussions with His followers, no...