Hello Kitchen Table Theology Family! We’re your hosts, Jen Denton, and Pastor Jeff Cranston. Today is our first episode of a new series on the Church. The Doctrine of the Church is also known as the doctrine of Ecclesiology. And over the course of this series, we will delve into seven snapshots of what the New Testament teaches us about the church. The NT says that the Church is a flock, a fellowship, a body, a bride, a family, as God’s House, and a priesthood.

[04:11]  The Meaning of Ecclesiology

• Ecclesiology is a theological term used to refer to the church. 
• Meaning both “a called out group” and “belonging to the Lord”

[07:40] The Church Is a Flock

• Arguably Jesus' favorite description of the church, the flock of God is one of the most practical illustrations of Christ and the church (see scripture mentioned below) 
• The illustration that people are sheep may not be flattering, but the Word of God consistently refers to the church as a flock of sheep who need provision, particularly the provision of spiritual food.”
• Three terms that are used in the NT to refer to the same church leader
  • Poimen - Where Jesus says to Peter, "Take care of My sheep" that's the word poimen, it's the word pastor. Pastor means to take care of a flock
  • Presbuteros - "elder" in Greek. "Presbyterian" comes from this,  referring to spiritual maturity, not physical maturity
  • Episcopos - means a spiritual manager, supervisor, overseer. It refers to the managing aspects of church leadership
• We must remember all church leaders serve under Jesus Christ

[21:43] Closing Up

• Final words from Jen and Pastor Jeff
  • Email your questions for our upcoming Q&A to [email protected] or stay tuned to our Instagram @pastorjeffcranston

Key Quotes:

“The sheep can provide nothing for itself and can only prosper as it follows the direction of the shepherd. Its only obligation is to submit to His leading and authority. Thus, the church is directed as the flock of God to submit to his authority and that of the chief Shepherd.” - Dr. Robert Saucy

“And those of us, like me, we readily acknowledge that we serve under the one Great and Chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Pastor Jeff Cranston 

Scripture Mentioned

• Luke 12:32
• Acts 20:28
• 1 Peter 5:1-3
• John 10:16
• Hebrews 13:17
• 1 Peter 5:1-2
• Acts 20:17-38

Books Mentioned

• The Church in God’s Program by  Robert L. Saucy

Join the Conversation

We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today’s episode, email me at [email protected]

Visit my website jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church. 

Check-in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranston

Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!