Church
What Is the Church? The Biblical Doctrine of the Church
Learn what the Bible teaches about the church: its history, purpose, worship and government, and how to find a good, Bible-believing church.
The church is not a building, a denomination or an institution. It is the body of Christ: all who have been born again and belong to Jesus Christ, gathered in local congregations to worship God, hear His Word, and build one another up.
Not every group that calls itself a church is a true church. A faithful church preaches the gospel and the whole counsel of God, observes baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and does all things decently and in order. Believers are commanded not to give up meeting together.
The instructional videos on this page cover the history of the church, how to recognize a real church, and what the Bible teaches about the church’s purpose, worship and government.
Viewing on a computer? Start at the top of the left column and work down, then continue with the next column to the right. The videos are arranged this way so they also appear in the correct order on phones. These videos are also arranged in the playlist so they play automatically and in the correct order.
Pertinent Scripture Text
Tap any reference to read that passage in other English translations on Bible Hub.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42
“And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13
“And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Recommended Related Topics
For Further Study of the Church
Concordance • Dictionary • Encyclopedia • Thesaurus • Topical