IV. A DESCRIPTION, NOT A TITLE

Witness Lee concludes chapter eight with the emphatic statement that the term “local church” is not a title, but merely a description of the local, practical nature of the church. Witness Lee expounds on the dual nature of the church: it has both a universal aspect and a local aspect. However, He emphasizes here that the local churches are neither sectarian nor denominational.

With respect to the church, we have no title. The term “local church” is not our title. When we speak of the church in Anaheim, the church in Los Angeles, and the church in Hong Kong, it is the same as saying the moon in Anaheim, the moon in Los Angeles, and the moon in Hong Kong. The phrase “the moon in Hong Kong” is not the title of the moon; it is simply a description of the moon. Likewise, “the church in Anaheim” is not our title; it is our description. When the moon appears in Taipei, it is called “the moon in Taipei,” and when the moon appears over Paris, it is called “the moon in Paris.” The words “local church” are simply a term describing the nature of the church. Today, we are not standing merely for the universal church, but also for the local church. The nature of the church not only has the universal aspect, but also the local aspect. Therefore, we need to make it clear that the words “local church” are not a title. Never say, “I attend the local church on Ball Road in Anaheim.” To make the words “local church” a title is to turn us into a local church sect and to cause us to become a local church denomination. We do not practice any sectarian church, but the local church. When people ask you to share with them about the church, patiently explain to them that we have no title whatever. We are simply the church. When we are in Anaheim, we are the church in Anaheim; when we are in New York, we are the church in New York; and when we are in Stuttgart, we are the church in Stuttgart. In whatever locality we find ourselves, we are simply the local church there. We have nothing to do with anything denominational. (111-112)