1. The Mission of Jesus Christ Continues in the Church:
Ecclesiology
(= Study of the [Assembly ≈ Church])

2. Dear Reader,
You are about to begin your study of the Church. In many ways studying
this subject will be similar to studying any other subject: you will learn
new vocabulary, become familiar with some famous people in the Church,
and be introduced to some new concepts and ways of thinking.
But in other ways, this study will be unique, because the subject matter
is unique. The Church is unlike any other reality on earth, because she
is both within history and beyond it. She is both human and divine. In the
Church we meet God.
This study will engage not only your brain but also your heart and
your spirit—in other words, your whole self. You will be challenged
mentally to understand teachings about the nature of the Church and
gain a sense of how she has been present in the world throughout history.
You also will be challenged in other ways—challenged to pray more
deeply with the Church and challenged to become a more committed and
active member of the Church. After all, you are a holistic person, made
up of body, mind, and spirit. This study will challenge you to broaden and
deepen all aspects of yourself.
In writing this book, the editors and I have expanded our knowledge
about the Church, have thought in new ways about the Church, and have
grown in our own commitment to and love for her. I invite you to share in
that experience.

3. Author’s Introduction
Our study
Similar
Vocabulary, People, Concepts, & Thinking
Unique
Historical & Meta-historical
Human & Divine
Parts of you involved
Mind but also heart & spirit
= Whole self
Most important part?
Author’s experience
Knowledge, love, & commitment
Will it be yours?

4. The Church: Christ’s Continued Presence and Work in the World
Section 1:
The Church: Christ’s Continued Presence and Work in the World

5. The Origin of the Church
Section 1, Part 1:
The Origin of the Church

6. Introduction Where did the Church come from Who founded it
It always part of God’s plan
Who founded it
Instituted by Jesus and sustained by the Holy Spirit
Church = Assembly of people God gathers together
to be in a special relationship with him
Means of salvation and goal of his plan
Israel & God’s relationship with them foreshadowed his plan
Jesus instituted the Church at the Last Supper and Good Friday
He inaugurated it by his life’s ministry—preach, teach, & heal
Also instituted the structure—Peter & 12 Apostles
Significance of Pentecost then?
3 questions of 1.1
(A. 1) The Meaning of Church
(A. 2) God’s Call to Israel Foreshadows the Church
(A. 3) Christ Instituted the Church

7. A. 1: The Meaning of the Church
Everyday definition of the Church—building
NT etymology of the Church—ekklesia (Gk.)
3 formal definitions of the Church
Global--universal
Local--(arch)diocese
Liturgical—especially mass
Separate only analytically but not practically
How can you live out each level more fully (shadow box)
Essential to God’s plan—plan and nature of salvation
Did the Church begin with Jesus?
Shepherd of Hermas (visions of a 2nd century slave)
Church = created first, reveals future events/secrets,
world made for her rather than her for the world

8. You Tube Videos: The Church
Meaning of the Word Church
The Shepherd of Hermas

9. Article 2: God’s Call to Israel Foreshadows the Church
Relationship between OT & Christ/NT
2/3 B.C.
Relationship between OT Israel & the Church
Define foreshadow & Chosen People
How do Abraham & Moses & their covenants do so
Land, descendants, & blessing/curse
The Law/10 Commandments
What about the non-chosen people
3rd Abrahamic promise & OT prophetic tradition
Infidelity of the Israelites—idolatry
Need for Jesus and the New & Everlasting Covenant
Transforms & fulfills the OT Law & Covenants
OT images of Israel taken by NT Church
Flock, vineyard, temple, …

10. You Tube Videos: Foreshadowing
The Church in the Old Testament

11. A. 3: Christ Instituted the Church
Institution in general—ceremony
Definition and role of the Incarnation
How did Jesus do it—Word & Deed
Essence of Jesus’ preaching = the Kingdom of God thru parables
Miracles were a sign that the words about the Kingdom were true
Drew upon hope foreshadowed by the OT prophets—esp. Isaiah
Audience
All people but preferential option for the poor (Mt. 25)
Helpers
Apostles (Gk. To send out) vs. Disciples (LT. To learn)
Complete dedication to the Church by Jesus
Eucharist (Holy Thursday) anticipates the Cross (Good Friday) which fulfills
Structure—hierarchy, Peter and 12 Apostles (12 tribes of Israel)
Who can be a disciple—weak but given the power & authority of God
The Jewish question—Nostra Aetate (1965)
“…God holds the Jews most dear…” (#4)
Share a common heritage (esp. the Psalms) Christianity grew out of Judaism

12. You Tube Videos: Church Institution
The Kingdom of God
Church: Hierarchical & Maternal

13. Homework Section 1, Part 1 review questions #’s 1-6
Study for the Section 1, Parts 1-2 Quiz (AA. 1-9) on Wednesday
Make sure Section 1, Part 1 Homework is ready to turn in Friday