Lesson 1: The Etymology of the Word “Ecclesiology”

I – Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this lesson, the students shall:

1. Discuss the root words of the term “church”;

2. Discover the two ways of viewing the Church;
3. Recognize the Church as divine and human reality.

II – Instructional Sequence

A. Share (Activity)

Brainstorming:
1. In your church or GKK, why is it important to gather together at least once a week?
2. Why is it necessary to participate in the Church activities?

B. Heed (Individual Ponderings/Group Sharing)

1. Which of the sharing you just heard describes the idea about a church? Why?
2. How should believers continue to actively participate in the Church’s activities?

C. Understand Content Discussion

Ecclesiology comes from the Greek ekklesia which is a translation of the Hebrew “qahal”. Another Greek
term synonymous with “ekklesia” is “kyriake”. The Greek “ekklesia” is translated to Latin “ecclesia” which means a
gathering or assembly. The Greek “kyriake” is translated to German Kirche” and English “Church”. The Church is an
assembly of the people of God (CCC 777). Ecclesiology is the study of the Church.

A) Two Ways of Viewing the Church

There are two ways of looking at the church.

First, by her very NATURE as the church of Christ (Ecclesiology). This manner of viewing the church tries
to answer the question: WHAT IS THE CHURCH?

Second, by her MISSION and function as a church (Mission – Evangelization) and this answers the
question: WHAT IS THE CHURCH FOR? In this subject, will we be focusing on the nature and the mission of the
Church.

B) The Church, A Divine and Human Reality

The Church is a mystery composed of human and divine elements. This is compared to the mystery of
Jesus Christ that is both human and divine. The human and the divine are substantially united. Part of its divine
dimension is its being an invisible society. Part of the human dimension of the Church is its being a visible society. As
a visible society, the Church is structured with hierarchical organs and functions (LG 8). In the Church, the human is
directed toward and subordinated to the divine, the visible to the invisible, action to contemplation, and this present
world to that city yet to come, the object of our quest (SC 2).

Summary
1) Ecclesiology is derived from the Greek “ekklesia” which means an assembly of the people of God. The
Greek “ekklesia” is translated to English as Church. Ecclesiology is the study of the nature and the mission
of the Church.

2) The Church is both human and divine. In the Church, the human and the divine are substantially united. The
human is directed towards the divine.