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The Local Church
Author(s) -
Harakas Stanley S.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
the ecumenical review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.104
H-Index - 7
eISSN - 1758-6623
pISSN - 0013-0796
DOI - 10.1111/j.1758-6623.1977.tb02451.x
Subject(s) - citation , classics , theology , sociology , history , philosophy , library science , computer science
Answers: The word "church" is not a technical designation of a local group of any particular size or structure. Instead, it apparently described any extent of locality under discussion. Therefore, in answer to the question, "What constitutes a local church?" the scriptural answer is that any part of the universal church which is somehow local can be said to be a local church. We would suggest this holds even down to the level where ". . . two or three have gathered together in my name. . . " (Mt. l8:20) This seems to be Christ's version of what is necessary to have a local church.