subject: The God-made & The Man-made [print this page] The church and the community in Christianity are two separate ideas not to be mixed up with each other. The former is the house of the Lord and a place of worship. It may also refer to an association of people from the Christian faith. Based on the experiential aspect and in terms consistent with the orientation of the worshippers many associations refer to themselves as the Christian church. The first reference to the word church is found in Matthew 16:18 when Jesus says, and upon this rock I will build my church, about St. Peter.
The earliest church was propounded in the Roman province of Judaea in the first century AD. It was founded on the teachings of Jesus believed by his followers to be the Son of God and the Messiahsomeone who would cleanse them of their sins. It is usually thought of as beginning with the 12 Apostles of Jesus. Based on accounts Jesus had commanded his disciples to spread his preaching to the entire world. It also interesting to find, that the description of the church in the bible, has a two-fold personathe invisible and the visible. The invisible church consists of people (irrespective of time and place) who are eternally in union with Jesus through salvation and regeneration. The visible church on the other hand comprises of those who are both saved and are either unsaved or waiting to be saved.
The Christian Community (Die Christengemeinschaft in German) is a denomination of Christian origin. Lutheran ministers led by Friedrich Rittelmeyer founded it in 1922 in Switzerland. The group was mainly inspired by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher and founder of anthroposophy. The congregations of this association operate as financially independent factions with several administrative bodies governing their modes of operation.
There are an estimated 350 present currently, worldwide. Berlin, Germany, serves as its international headquarters. The Community is presided by the "circle of priests," with heads (called Coordinators) appointed from within the circle. An Erzoberlenker (first coordinator) is always advised by two Oberlenkers (second coordinators). Then there are the Lenkers (third coordinators) on the regional level followed by a council of priests. There is no special or additional process of consecration for the leadership. The most intriguing aspect of the priesthood of the Community is that it has always been open to women. There are 7 sacraments which are celebrated within the Community: the Eucharist, Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, The Last Anointing, Sacramental Consultation (replacing Confession) and Ordination.
