Once again, therefore, wherever disciples are gathered under the threefold office of Christ, there is to be found the institution of the church . . . These questions bring to our attention our original purpose to show the relationship between Christian discipleship and the institution of the church. That relationship is one of cause and effect. Disciples, believers governed only by the Word of God, desire to have the Word preached faithfully to them, long to be governed by that Word of Christ through the labors of the elders and they will to show the love and mercy of Jesus Christ through the ministry of deacons. Further, these disciples are one in faith or doctrine and would manifest their unity through the establishment of the church.
Doctrinal unity is the unity of the church and the basis for the fellowship of the saints.
The book of Acts records for us the establishment of the institution of the church in the world as the result of the missionary labors of the apostles. At Thessalonica the gentile Christians established the institution of the church under the leadership of Paul and Barnabas. This same event repeatedly occurred in other cities. What we should note is that disciples of Christ gather as the church in distinction to and in separation from all those who refuse to hear the Word of Christ. The establishment of the institution of the church arises initially as the result of missionary preaching but it can also be the result of reformation through secession.