I found this site by accident, but I have found it to be very helpful in my studies. My questions are: Since we the people are called the Church, why are buildings that are made of brick and mortar also called Churches. I hear so many people say “I am going to Church” how can you go to what you are called to be?
The Greek word from which we get church means “called out ones” It originally referred to the believers who are called out of the world. At that time believers met in homes. As the Church grew they needed bigger meeting places and constructed buildings for this purpose. They were originally called church buildings or church houses. Eventually the buildings were just called churches, but the proper term is church building. The Church consists of the people inside the building.