What is a local church?

There is a difference between an individual and a local church.

• Matthew 18:15-17 – Three different parties are involved here. One person, a few members, and the entirety of the local church (or a representative thereof).
• I Timothy 5:16
• Some say that whatever an individual has authority to do, a local church has authority to do, but …
• A letter being addressed to a church does not mean that everything in that letter pertains to collective church work.
  • I Thessalonians 1; 4:11
  • I Corinthians 1:2; 7:1-2
  • I Timothy 1:2; 3:1-13; 5:16
  • Titus 1:4-5

The Bible uses “church” as a collective noun.

• Acts 8:1-3
• Acts 11:26 – “Church” talking about a plurality of disciples.
• Acts 14:26
• I Corinthians 1:2
• Philippians 1:1
• Hebrews 12:23
• Acts 2:41

Never does the Bible use the word “church” to collect congregations.

• There is a difference between collecting congregations and collecting individuals.
• If the universal church is composed of congregations, that would mean you must be a member of a local church to be a member of the universal church.

When do you have a local church action?

When a plurality of Christians act together?

• Not necessarily.
• Acts 13:1-3
• I Corinthians 11:22, 34, 18
• Philippians 4:15