Our tradition describes the ekklesia as “catholic” – what exactly do we mean when using this term? Far too many of us accept, uncritically, the popular definition that “catholic” means universal. I suggest we ditch this understanding entirely (as it does little more than to foster bad theology, and even worse ekklesiology within OC/IC communities.

The term “catholic” is a Greek word that means “according to the whole” or “general.” In relation to “church” or more correctly the ekklesia one might see this as “general assembly” or “according to the whole assembly” or even “complete assembly.” The implication here is one of wholeness making advantage of the full benefit of the various gifts resident within the general membership.

Paul’s famous description of the ekklesia as a human body (Rom. 12 & 1Cor. 12) is I think very helpful in understanding “catholic”. Each limb enjoys the benefit of unique gifts. The benefit however, is only fully realized in the context of the body. When one limb refuses to, or is excluded from participation, the entire organism becomes broken and dysfunctional. The ekklesia is fully realized when all members or citizens of that assembly are actively engaged in and participating in the life of the ekklesia.

The catholic ekklesia then, can be as small as two or three, or as large as two or three million, but what matters is the relationships built within the body, and how those relationships contribute to the ekklesia’s purpose of prayer, study and service.