Weird Ideas: One ChurchSample

When we talk about one Church, a point needs to be made. There is a difference between the visible and invisible Church.

When theologians talk about the visible and invisible church, they’re referring to the fact that a local congregation does not always reflect what Christ’s Church is supposed to be. They also mean that we should never assume that just because someone is a member of a local church (or leading one!) that they are also a member of Christ’s body.

The visible church is the institution you see. The programs, worship services, buildings, and people. Those who attend may be part of the true, invisible Church. Or they may not.

The invisible church is the real thing. It is the actual people connected to Christ. You can’t tell just by looking at them (though Jesus certainly provides some indicators). You can find them in a local church. But you can never assume that just because someone is there, they are a part of the One Church Jesus talks about.

What makes you part of the one true Church? Faith in Christ. The Bible will talk about this as being baptized into Christ. That means being immersed into him. We shouldn’t confuse this with just going through the church ritual of baptism (though that can be a powerful means by which God works faith). It means being mystically connected to Jesus through his Spirit, or what Jesus calls being “born again.” Many who are baptized are not part of Christ’s body and therefore the invisible church. Some who are not a part of a local church or who have never gone through the ritual of baptism are. Regardless, those who are in Christ are connected. Regardless of what visible church they connect with, they are one.

Here’s some take-aways.

Takeaway #1: Are you putting your faith in church membership and involvement rather than a living connection to Christ? The former is meaningless without the latter. Examine yourself as to whether your life is motivated by the pursuit of a relationship with Jesus or simply going to church on Sunday.

Takeaway #2: Are you a part of the Church invisible who is avoiding the church visible? Don’t. God wants you doing life with a local body of believers. Don’t use your personal connection to the Lord as an excuse to sever yourself from the visible manifestation of his body.

Takeaway #3: Finally, ask yourself. How can I live in such a way that the visible church reflects more deeply the invisible Church reality. The visible church should be an expression of the invisible Church; it’s not always the case. True in Jesus’s day. True in ours too. So do what you can to make the visible manifest the invisible more clearly.