Ecclesiology

Ecclesiology is the doctrine of the church — what it is, how it is governed, how it worships, and how it administers the means of grace. The historic Christian church confesses one holy, catholic, apostolic church visible in particular congregations, marked by the true preaching of the Word, the right administration of the sacraments (baptism and the Lord's Supper), and the exercise of church discipline (Belgic Confession 29; WCF 25–30).

Worship is regulated by Scripture (the regulative principle): the church may offer to God in public worship only what he has commanded. Government is Presbyterian in most Reformed traditions (pastor, elders, deacons), with local, regional, and general assemblies. The Lord's Day is the Christian Sabbath, set apart for public worship, rest, and works of necessity and mercy.

These questions treat the sacraments (paedobaptism vs. credobaptism, the Lord's Supper, baptism's meaning), the Lord's Day, worship (regulative principle, preaching, psalmody, family worship), and the practical life of the church (membership, discipline, finding a church, Christian education). If you are looking for a church, start with the three marks.