ABSTRACT
As the Christian community embodies a specific nature and essence, and as it exists with a definite order and form, so it is entrusted with a concrete mission and task. We have examined Earth's understanding of the nature of the community in the light of the relationship between the Spirit and the church, as well as the form and order of the community in view of the relationship between Christ and the church. But as the church is the fellowship of the Spirit, and as it is the body of Jesus Christ, so also it is 'the people of God in world-occurrence' (CD 7K3.2, 681; passim.). Its existence as a visible community in the world is dependent upon God's call and election, and it is charged by God with a specific task (CD IV.3.2, 727-728). To speak of the ordination of the church is thus to speak both of its basis in God's eternal election and of its divine commission for ministry to the world, for in Barth's thought these are inseparable.
