Most commonly referred to as a building where religious practices are carried out. The original meaning is that of an assembly of people. As these gatherings held a special purpose for Christian worship, the term has been extended to include the building for the assembly as well as a specific denomination, i.e. Church of Religious Science.
It is unfortunate that there are many great souls who strive to serve by becoming clergymen. However, most religious institutions do not proclaim "We are loyal to truth and further truth." Rather they imply "We preach a creed, we espouse a doctrine, we practice rituals, we are tied to ceremony." Most churches are the means of opposing truth.