Project Description

We have identified the ekklesia translated “church” (poor translation) as a class of people known as “the called out.” This is true rather speaking of God’s people in general or to a specific location.  Associating a city with it does not describe local church organizations.

For this reason, no one established churches, planted churches, went to church or church services, or had church. We never hear of church buildings, church treasuries, or pastors of churches.  No preacher ever tried out at a church or was hired by one.   Further,  there’s no mention of decision-makers for a church or overseers of churches.

Oh, I understand the proof-texts used to support some of these things but they do not hold up under scrutiny.  Elders were overseers of souls and those “among them” were those who lived in the same city, not the same church.

When any collection is made, it is supplied by individual saints for a specific need and time.  When supporting a preacher, Galatians 6 supports the view that each individual contributes toward his needs.  Philippians 4 supports this, also.  Each time the word ekklesia is used in association with a specific city, it is always in the singular.  This is a very common use of the word that describes the work of saints in any city.  Paul wrote to Philippi, “No city of called-out people (singular) had fellowship but “you” (plural) only.   Church is singular in depicting a class of people, but that class of people operates individually.  This principle can be applied to giving, discipline, caring for widows, supporting spiritual preachers and shepherds, etc.