“Christology is the study of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Pneumatology is the study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Ecclesiology is the study of the identity and work of the church.”

I know that is a mouthful. But it is an important mouthful! Let me explain.

First, the definitions. Christology is the study of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Pneumatology is the study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Ecclesiology is the study of the identity and work of the church.

Now, a consideration. Often when God’s people are thinking about the church, their Ecclesiology is often weighed separately from their Christology and Pneumatology. Or, to say it at the definition level, their view of the church is considered apart from their view of Christ and the Holy Spirit. How so? Examples abound.

• People looking for a church search for one based on factors such as what the music is like, whether a vibrant youth group is in place, or if childcare is provided during worship.
• A subgroup in a congregation becomes disgruntled and decides to start a church of its own.
• Leaders discussing revitalization in the church start by asking questions such as these: “What ministry can we start?” or “What are other churches doing?”

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