1. a person who studies the history, architecture, and practices of churches and religious institutions
Usage: academic or scholarly field; often refers to specialists in Christian church history and design

Examples

• The ecclesiologist examined the medieval cathedral's architectural features and their religious significance.
• As an ecclesiologist, she specialized in the development of church liturgy over centuries.
• The museum hired an ecclesiologist to catalog and interpret its collection of religious artifacts.
• Ecclesiologists often study how church design reflects theological beliefs.
• His work as an ecclesiologist focused on the history of Christian worship practices in Europe.