Response to the Two or Three gathering Statement

After I posted the article "Why the Local Church is the Heart of God's Design," I received a note from a brother, saying, "In Russia under communism, you often had one Christian in a prison camp, and often they would lead someone to Christ. Since the Bible says wherever 2 or more are gathered, there Jesus is. You don't need a conventional building; you can meet in the woods like the Russian believers did, or in an old school, etc. Whereas this writer isn't necessarily wrong, Christians need to be careful to not stay in a compromised church. Too often, the passage about assembling together is promoted with no regard to the passage where 2 or 3 are gathered. A church of 2-3 or 10-20 is just as much a church as other larger ones." I think I must respond to him:"Dear Brother in Christ, Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and for reminding us of the precious truth that “where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20, KJV). We deeply honor the faith and courage of believers who have suffered persecution—whether in Russia, China, or many other parts of the world—who continue to gather and worship despite great trials. Their testimony humbles us all. However, I would like to kindly clarify some important biblical principles regarding the definition of a local church, as this is often misunderstood: 1. The Biblical Definition of a Local Church

While two or three believers gathering in Christ’s name indeed experience His presence, this does not automatically constitute a local church in the New Testament sense. According to Scripture, a local church involves (1) a body of baptized believers, (2) who assemble regularly, (3) under recognized biblical leadership (pastors and deacons), (4) for the purpose of worship, teaching, fellowship, prayer, and the observance of ordinances (Acts 2:41–47; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3).

A local church is not simply an informal meeting, but a structured and accountable body designed by Christ Himself (Ephesians 4:11-16). Therefore, while any group of believers can pray, study, and encourage one another, the church has a distinct, divinely ordained identity and function. 2. Persecution and the Principle of the Church

We fully understand—and deeply sympathize—that in times of persecution, believers often cannot gather publicly or formally. Our own ministry has served in the underground church in China for over forty years, and we continue to witness intense persecution today. In such cases, small gatherings in homes or secret places are necessary expressions of faithfulness under suffering.Yet, it is important to be careful not to generalize exceptional circumstances into permanent doctrine. To use examples of persecution to dismiss the biblical model of a local church is to draw a principle from an exception. Even persecuted believers long and pray for the day when they may gather openly as a local body under biblical order. Their hearts yearn for the fullness of church life, not merely survival gatherings. 3. Special Circumstances vs. Sound Doctrine We deeply appreciate the compassion behind your statement, and we agree that believers under oppression are precious in the Lord’s sight. But we must never let extraordinary situations replace biblical teaching. The Word of God provides a consistent pattern for His church—whether in freedom or persecution. Sadly, in many free nations today, people reject the authority of the local church, preferring individual autonomy and personal spirituality over biblical accountability. This is not due to persecution but to spiritual rebellion against “sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3). We must discern carefully, for not every spirit is of God (1 John 4:1). Good intentions do not necessarily align with biblical truth or the will of God. With all love and humility, I say this not to argue but to uphold the clarity of God’s Word. The persecuted church reminds us to be faithful under pressure; the free church must be faithful to sound doctrine. Both must honor Christ’s design for His body. In His grace and truth, Christian Wei For the Gospel and His Church"