Ekklesia

A Study of the Doctrine of the Church

What is the church? Ask this question to your neighbors, and you are bound to hear a variety of responses. For some, the church is that brown brick building down the street with a steeple. It’s a place where religious people go to do religious things.

For others, the church is a website. They “do church” online, streaming live most Sunday mornings from the comfort of their favorite sofa, coffee cup and breakfast sandwich in hand. For them, it is something to watch and, hopefully, something entertaining.

Some will respond that the church is an institution, something into which one is born or baptized as a baby. It is a spiritual form of citizenship—it determines your lifelong religious identity and loyalty, whether you like it or not and whether you understand it or not.

For still others, church is a tradition. It is the ritual of putting on one’s Sunday best, sitting and standing on cue, enduring lengthy sermons, and smiling and speaking politely until one can rush off to a favorite restaurant for lunch.

But are any of these what Jesus meant when He promised to build His church (Matthew 16:18)? Thankfully, no! Jesus was not talking about bricks and mortar, an internet viewing audience, a superficial religious identity, or a once-a-week tradition. He was talking about a living congregation—a people redeemed by His grace from the domain of darkness, gathered together by His sovereign design into one faith, transformed by His Spirit to live in newness of life, ordered and instructed by His all-sufficient Word, and equipped by His power to serve as His representatives to the world and to each other. In short, the church is something extraordinary!

Beginning Wednesday, September 2, Men of the Word will embark on a year-long study of this extraordinary doctrine. The series will provide biblical answers to questions such as: How is the church to be governed? What is baptism? Why is church membership important? What is the Lord’s Supper? What is my spiritual gift? What role do I play in the Great Commission?

Men of all ages are invited; no registration is necessary. Just show up at the Worship Center for the beginning of this study on Wednesday evening, September 2.

To welcome back returning attendees and those who are new to Men of the Word, we invite you to come early on the first Wednesday of the season, September 2, at 6 pm, to enjoy fellowship and refreshments on the Patio.

The regular meeting will then begin in the Worship Center at 7 pm.

 

Wednesdays, 7–9 pm
Beginning September 2
Worship Center

 

2026–2027 Men of the Word Mini-Series

Throughout the 2026–2027 season, Men of the Word will periodically depart from our study of the doctrine of the church to look at another crucial topic for men: God’s Design for Dads. The series will cover six important themes related to fatherhood: leadership, love, provision, protection, wisdom, and prayer. Whether you are a new dad, an experienced dad, or an aspiring dad, this series will provide vital instruction for understanding and fulfilling that role.

 

The Mission of Men of the Word

Men of the Word exists to provide:

  • Biblical instruction—an hour of in-depth study of God’s Word.
  • Personal discipleship—the opportunity to discuss the practical implications of each study in a small-group setting.
  • Genuine fellowship—a brotherhood joined together in pursuit of God’s glory.
  • Spiritual accountability—a place to ask—and be asked—the most important questions in life.

To learn more about Men of the Word, including the schedule and special events for the upcoming year, visit gracechurch.org/motw or stop by our Patio table.