What is the church?

Over the next few weeks I would like to write many connected post on the church. I am currently writing a paper or "philosophy of ministry for a church", not only for my ordination council but also for my own benefit so I can have written down what I believe about Jesus' church. I would like to cover everything from worship, tithing, church government, missions, and much more. The place to begin though is a question and thoughts on what exactly is the church. 

So first what is the church? I believe the church is a living organism or body of many parts (1 Cor. 12: 12-27) made up of a larger universal group, and a local individual faith community. The church that is visible is made of the regenerated believers and followers of Jesus and also the unregenerate people whom are also parts of the church. The invisible church is made up only of those whom God see as His children, which are the regenerated and redeemed people of God.  The church is describe as the bride of Christ that He came to seek and save and only Jesus can reform the church into being like Him and loving Him as the church’s Bridegroom (2 Cor. 11:2). Other metaphors for the church in the Bible are, family of God (2 Cor. 6:18), branches on a vine (John 15:5), a building (1 Cor. 3:9), living stones (1 Peter.2:4-8), and a harvest (Matt. 13:1-30 and John 4:35).  God has established the church for this age to fulfill His plan on the earth. In Matthew16:18, Christ said, “…I will build my church…” The church is God’s primary plan for the advancement of His Kingdom today and that advancement is through multiplication.

· The universal church~ The New Testament teaches that there is one large church made up of all believers of all time. Christ used the singular word “church” when he stated that He would build His church. It is referred to as the “household of God” (Ephesians 2:19), “one body” (I Corinthians 12:13), and “a glorious church” (Ephesians 5:27).

· The local church~ In most cases in the New Testament, the word “church” refers to the local church (Acts 5:11; 8:1; 11:26; 14:23; Romans 16:5). This is an assembly of baptized believers (Acts 2:41) who meet for instruction in doctrine, fellowship, and prayer. (Acts 2:42)