Church of the living God,
Pillar and ground of truth,
Keep the old paths the fathers trod
In thy illumined youth.
Lo, in thy bosom lies
The touchstone for the age;
Seducing error shrinks and dies
At light from yonder page.
Arthur James Mason (1851-1928) penned this hymn, “Church of the Living God.”  The full hymn has seven verses that describe the work and ministry of the church as God’s people.
Note in these lines that the church is considered the keeper of truth.  Not only is the church to teach truth, but it is also to defend against errors (what are called heresies through Church history).  In both teaching and defending the truth, the church is the standard bearer for God in this world.  Although individual Christians have vital ministry to perform, God has ordained the church as His vessel for truth.