To use the same term to describe a religious building or organization that we use to describe the body of Christ is very confusing. They are not the same things. The body of Christ is the people who have received God’s mercy offered through Jesus and have made Him the ruler of their life. It’s not a building or organization. It’s not even a religious service about Jesus, that we call church.

The Greek New Testament calls it ekklesia. If we would use that term for the body of Christ, we wouldn’t have to work so hard to try to separate if from church buildings, church organizations, and church services.

Throughout history people (and governments) have tried to use Christianity or destroy it but few have submitted to Christ. Ekklesia goes beyond church and follows the living Jesus instead of a preacher or an institution.