Who or what is the church?

Church can be amazing. It can also be confusing, frustrating and painful, because churches are full of real people with real flaws.

So what did Paul mean when he said the church displays the “manifold wisdom of God”?

This short guide helps you explore what Scripture says about the church: who we are, why we gather and how God wants to work through us. In a world that often feels divided and disconnected, the Bible shows us a bigger vision of church as a people shaped by Jesus, learning to live out His love together.

This resource includes:

• a biblical picture of the church as the body of Christ
• teaching on unity, spiritual growth and mutual dependence
• reflection on the church’s mission to share the gospel
• practical consideration of serving local communities
• guidance for recognising the characteristics of a Christ-centred church

A shared invitation

Our Daily Bread Ministries wants to accompany you not only in personal Bible reading, but in learning how faith is lived alongside other people. We provide resources like this freely so that churches and individuals can use them without cost. If you would like to support that work, your donation helps us continue creating Bible-based resources for people growing in Christ together.