Episode 21: Why does the creed say "Holy Catholic Church"? | We Believe

Understanding the Church in the Apostles' Creed: The Meaning Behind "Catholic" and Our Collective Identity

As we continue to explore the Apostles' Creed, we find ourselves diving into the section about the church. Over the next few podcasts, we’ll explore what this means, specifically the word “Catholic” and how it shapes our understanding of the church, both historically and in the present. It’s a word that often causes confusion, especially when people think of Roman Catholicism. However, in the context of the Creed, “Catholic” means something much broader.

What Does "Catholic" Really Mean?

The term "Catholic" originates from the Greek words katholikos (meaning "whole" or "universal") and holo (meaning "whole" or "complete"). So when we say that we believe in the "catholic church," we’re expressing our belief in the universal church—the entire body of believers throughout time and space. This isn't about a specific denomination or group, but about the global, timeless community of Christ-followers.

We see this idea of unity across time in passages like Galatians 3:28-29, where Paul writes, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." The church isn’t confined by cultural or historical boundaries. It’s a family united in Christ, whether you're from the past, present, or future, and regardless of where you're located or what you look like.

This unity in the church is further emphasized in 1 Peter 2:9, where we’re reminded that we are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession." The church, from its inception to now, has been a community chosen by God, and it will continue to be so until Christ returns.

The Church: More Than Just a Social Club

As we reflect on the church, one question often arises: how is the church different from a social club or a sports team? After all, a social club can bring people together around shared interests, like basketball or even pickleball. But the church is different. It isn’t about shared hobbies or preferences—it’s about Christ himself.

When we gather as a church, we're united not by a shared activity but by our shared faith in Jesus Christ. That’s what allows people from all walks of life—different ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities—to come together in one place. It’s a powerful thing to witness.

The church is not a collection of individuals doing their own thing. As we see in the Scriptures, our faith is personal, but it’s also communal. The New Testament is filled with calls to remember that we belong to a larger body—the body of Christ. We cannot be "maverick Christians" who walk alone. We are part of something bigger than ourselves.

A Journey Through Church History: From Reformation to Evangelicalism

When we look at the history of the church, we see various movements that have shaped how we understand the church today. Going back to the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther’s 95 Theses were a powerful reminder that the church was being called back to its roots—rooted in Scripture, grace, and the gospel. The Reformation gave birth to what we now call the Protestant church, where Christ is at the center, not tradition or human-made rules.

Fast forward to the 18th and 19th centuries, and we witness the Great Awakenings, which emphasized personal faith and repentance. This movement of revival set the stage for the rise of evangelicalism in the 20th century. Evangelicalism, particularly through figures like Billy Graham, brought many people to faith and emphasized personal decisions to follow Christ. While this was a powerful movement, it also sometimes led to a focus on the individual at the expense of the community.

In more recent decades, we've seen church services that cater to personal preferences—whether it's the style of music, the kind of worship experience, or the programs offered. While these things have value, they can sometimes shift our focus from what really matters: Christ as the cornerstone of the church.

The Church Today: A Living, Breathing Community

As we near the 100th anniversary of our church, we’re reminded of the long line of people who have come before us, each one contributing to the legacy of the church. Our community is a blend of different cultures—Dutch, English, Spanish, Nepalese, and more—coming together under the banner of Christ. This is the picture of the catholic church: diverse, united, and eternal.

As we look forward to the future of the church, we are reminded that it’s not about us. It's about the generations that came before us and the generations that will come after us. We are standing on the shoulders of those who have laid a foundation in Christ, and it is our responsibility to carry that forward.

In the end, the church is not about personal preferences or individual experiences. It's about the body of believers coming together to declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. The church is more than just a gathering; it’s a movement, a community, and a family of believers who are united by faith in Jesus Christ.

The Church: Essential to Our Spiritual Growth

We often hear about the "ordinary means of grace" in reformed theology. This concept refers to the key elements of worship—preaching the Word, the sacraments, and gathering together as the body of Christ. These are God’s ordained ways of nourishing and feeding His people. When we gather on Sundays, it’s not just a routine; it’s an opportunity to partake in something far greater than ourselves. It’s through this regular gathering that we are sustained spiritually, encouraged in our faith, and reminded of God's love for us.

But it doesn’t stop there. Church life isn't confined to Sundays alone. Acts 2 highlights how the early church engaged in worship, discipleship, meals, and fellowship. This life of community was continuous, 24/7. We need to view church as a place where we not only receive but also give. It’s about more than just coming on Sundays—it’s about actively participating in the life of the church throughout the week. Whether it’s in small groups, serving others, or praying for one another, our Christian walk is deeply interconnected with the body of Christ.

Why Being Part of the Church Matters

Being part of the church means engaging with others in meaningful ways. It’s a place where we can be encouraged, held accountable, and supported. We are not meant to do this Christian life alone. The church is where we find our people—those who will cheer us on, pray for us, and stand with us through life's challenges. But it’s also where we are challenged to grow, to stretch, and to be held accountable in love.

In a church community, it’s harder to hide or slip through the cracks. When we're in a circle, we see each other, we know each other, and we are there for each other. This level of connection and accountability is vital for our spiritual health. We need one another to thrive in our faith. And when someone is missing, we notice and follow up because we care deeply about their well-being.

Living Out the Church's Call

The church is not just about what we can get from it; it’s about what we can contribute to it. We are called to be active participants, not passive observers. Just like John F. Kennedy famously said, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country,” we should ask, "What can I do for my church?" How can I serve, contribute, and help others come to know Christ? It’s not about being served but about serving others. This is what truly builds up the body of Christ.

When we embrace this mindset, we begin to experience the fullness of what it means to belong to the Church. We’re not just showing up for services; we’re actively engaging in the life of the church, contributing to its mission, and helping each other grow in Christ. This mutual support, this sharing of life and faith, is what makes the church the beautiful and vibrant community it was meant to be.

Conclusion

As we continue our journey through the Apostles' Creed and reflect on the role of the Church, let us reaffirm its essential place in our lives. Church is not just an event we attend; it’s a community where we belong, grow, and serve together. Let’s commit to being active participants in this body of believers, supporting each other, and living out our faith in a way that honors God and encourages those around us. The church is God's ordained means for nurturing us, and through it, we will continue to grow in our knowledge of Him and our love for one another.

God bless you as you walk this journey with us. We are excited to continue exploring the Apostles' Creed together in the next few episodes, diving deeper into the sacraments, preaching, and teaching that make up the fabric of the Church.