What "CHURCH" was Jesus refering to?

[JehovahsWitness]

A lot of Christians believe Jesus did not establish an organized religion, my question is in connection with Matthew 18 verse 17.

"If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.."- New American Standard Bible (©1995)

http://bible.cc/matthew/18-17.htm

If Jesus had no intention for his followers to be part of a CHURCH or community of believers from which one could be excluded in some way, what were these guidelines pointing towards?

[JehovahsWitness]

[Replying to post 10 by ttruscott]



Your opinion has been noted, as it is posted here.

[JehovahsWitness]

We should tell the proven reprobate (tax collector) the gospel but we should not fellowship with him nor seek him out.

I don't believe that repentant wrongdoers should be shunned.

Jesus forgave and so should we.


JW