Unhappily, careless things are sometimes said about the Church, even by those who should know better. Some talk about the Church as if it were a weak and failing organization. Without excusing the human failures that have marred the image of the Church in the eyes of many, let us insist on clearer understanding of what the Church is, and higher regard for what God is accomplishing through it. They are special, not to demand special favors and recognition for themselves, but specially called to make known God's saving grace in Jesus Christ, and to serve others in His name. The fellowship of the Church is different from association together in some civic or fraternal organization.
Men build organizations according to their own human ideas.
Christ builds His Church of those who listen to the voice of God rather than to the voice of men. The Church is not an elective which Christians may choose to join if they wish. It is the elect, those whom God has chosen, those who have responded to His call to live henceforth as part of Christ's Body, to do His will and His work. That is the way a person becomes a member of God's great Church. Now the best of things, the highest of truths, seem to invite perversion of the worst kind.