That the word church is used in several different senses in the New Testament cannot be denied. The misunderstanding of these various uses has led many to misunderstand what the Bible teaches concerning the church. We all know that the basic meaning of the word that is rendered "church" in most English translations is "a called out assembly." But this definition does not make clear all the various ways in which the word is used. The definition of any occurrence of the word must be determined also by the context in which it is used. We know that sometimes the word is used in reference to a relationship to God enjoyed by all the saved or what we sometimes call the "universal church." (See Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:47; etc.) We also know that at other times the word is used in reference to a group of Christians in a given locality who have joined themselves together to worship and serve the Lord. (See 1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:2; etc.) I think that we all understand these basic uses of the word. But there are other variations in meaning that we see in some contexts. One such meaning is associated with what we might call the church in the assembled state as opposed to the unassembled state. Now it is true that a Christian who is a part of a local church is a member of that church whether the church is assembled or unassembled. I am still a member of the local church here in Russellville, when assembled with them on Sunday or sitting at my computer here at home right now writing this article. However, there is a sense in which the word church is used that distinguishes between the church being assembled together and not being assembled together. Sometimes the term "in the church" is used to indicate something that is done when the church is assembled together. In contrast to this, the term "at home" is used to indicate what Christians do when they are not assembled together "in the church." We want to notice two such instances in which such usage found.
1 Corinthians 11:17-34
In the eleventh chapter of 1 Corinthians we see a distinction made between what Christians may do "in the church" and "at home" in respect to eating. Paul states in verse 18 that he had heard that when they had come together "in the church" that there was a problem. The basic problem was that their purpose for coming together should have been to eat the Lord’s Supper (v. 20), but instead they were eating their "own supper" (v. 21). After giving instructions about the eating of the Lord’s Supper in the church, Paul then instructs them that if they want to eat their own supper to eat it "at home" (v. 34). Here the terms "in the church" and "at home" are used to contrast times when the church is assembled and when it is not assembled. Now it is true that we are all still members of the church whether we are assembled "in the church" or unassembled "at home." But it is also true that certain actions should be done when we are assembled together "in the church" and other things should be done when we are unassembled "at home." We therefore get into trouble when we try to reverse these things. We ought to think about this when we decide that we want to eat our "own" meals when we come together "in the church." We also need to consider this when we want to take the Lord’s Supper out and serve it to others "at home" who have not assembled with the saints "in the church."
1 Corinthians 14:34-35
In the fourteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians we have another instance of this distinction being made. We are told that it is shameful for women to speak "in the church." Instead, women are instructed to "keep silent in the churches" and to reserve their speaking until they are "at home." Now once again we see a distinction made between what is to be done "in the church" and what is to be done "at home." I know that it is not popular these days to point out the distinction that is made in this passage. To prohibit a woman from speaking anywhere or at any time, makes one a target of ridicule and scorn. But we must consider what is said here when we begin advocating that women should be allowed to speak up more in our assemblies or that it is just old fashioned or archaic to prohibit them from doing so. I hear many today claiming that we have just "misinterpreted" the Scriptures in this matter and decide that instead we need to adhere to a "new" or "enlightened" interpretation.
Let us be content to follow the things that God has revealed for us to participate in as Christians whether we are assembled "in the church" or not assembled "at home." Let us also be careful to maintain the distinctions that the Scriptures make between the two.
-- Edward O. Bragwell, Jr.