The Roots Series by Stephen Best Copyright 2011
‘Going to church’ and other phrases like ‘the church on the corner’ are commonly used phrases in our culture. More than ever it is acceptable to understand church as attending a religious service held in a religious place somewhere on Main St., Anywhere. It’s a part of our everyday lingo.
Somewhere included in this thinking of church is a belief system that appears irrelevant. While many people might appreciate church and what it stands for, especially during the holiday season or in moments of crisis, they might also say that it is out of touch with the real world.
Some church leaders have accepted this perception and have developed new ways in how church is done, so that more people might actually ‘go to church.’ It’s now fair to say that both religious and cultural perspectives suggest that the church’s identity primarily includes a service, place of worship and an arrangement of activities. Church is now something we do, as opposed to something we are. It is like going to the cinema at the mall.
Added to this perception of church is the perception of success. It is also widely accepted that a church is perceived successful if it has an attractive building, numerous people attending and various programs for all ages, not forgetting an amiable worship service and an engaging leader.
What is wrong with this picture? Who wouldn’t want a church that is relevant and meeting our needs in a comfortable atmosphere?
To adequately answer this question it’s best we use the Bible to understand what the church is about. As mentioned there are many different notions surrounding church, but Jesus said that he would build his church, and that leaves the Bible as the only measurement that really matters.
The following are simple reminders of what the Bible says about the church, and are intended to help us have expectations that are like Christ’s.
- Our English Bible translates the Greek word ‘ekklesia’ as church 113 times in the New Testament.
· Ekklesia simply means a gathering of people called out from their homes.
· Attending a church or doing good deeds does not include someone with those who are called out.
· The called out refers to those people who have committed their lives to Christ by receiving him as Lord, Col. 1:13, Eph. 2:4-10.
- God’s house or the church is a gathering of people committed to following Christ, Eph. 2:19-22.
· The Bible clearly shows that the church is not a building, but rather people called out of their homes to gather together.
· The church includes every race and ethnicity that professes Jesus as Lord.
· The Bible does not ask us to go to church, rather it says to ‘consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,’ while also ‘not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching’ (Heb. 10:24-25). In other words the church was to meet regularly with the intent of encouraging each other. The traditional ‘going to church’ might seem easier.
- The church’s primary goal is to offer itself as worship to God, 1 Pet. 2:5.
· We do not ‘go to church’ nor do we ‘do church’, we are the church that collectively lives a life of sacrifice to God.
· The church is not to serve us, but rather the church (the people) is to serve God and make Him famous.
· You cannot ask what a church has to offer without first asking, “What do I have to offer?”
- The Bible describes four basic functions of the church: applying themselves to biblical teaching, encouraging, enjoying each other’s company, and sharing in the Lord’s Supper, Acts 2:42.
· The Bible describes the church as ‘relationally centered’ rather than ‘program centered’.
· Similarly the church is not a Sunday activity, as it exists beyond a one-hour service and the one-day of the week.
- The church is an assembly of God’s people where every person thinks about others, and practices genuine love through acts of generous serving, giving, and praying, Rom. 12:6-18.
· Practicing genuine love is not volunteering. It is being obedient to Christ.
· The church is not a social convener.
· The church does exist without programs, events and buildings. It actually thrives when every member does its part.
· Church activities are not to be a substitute for practical acts of kindness.
- The church anticipates persecution and attack, yet Jesus said that it will not be overcome, Mt. 16:18.
· Believers are constantly encouraged through the Bible to be ready for difficult times, Jam. 1:2, Mt. 5:11-12.
· Churches are perceived blessed because they have a good worship band, or because they have a great attendance at their services, but the Bible says they are blessed when they suffer for Christ’s sake.
- The church has been given abilities to develop the church and to equip God’s people to do His work, Eph. 4:11-12.
· The church has laborers not celebrities or academics, who work to see God’s people live life as Jesus intended.
- The church is an organic assembly of God’s people, Col. 1:18, Eph. 1:22-23.
· The church is not a nonprofit organization or a charity, and exists regardless of government support.
· The church is not a business or a bank account.
- When and where the church gathers is insignificant, God’s presence is there, Mt 18:20.
· The presence of the Holy Spirit identifies God’s people more than any charitable number or full church building, Ex. 33:15.
· The Holy Spirit’s presence is not delicate and airy, but supernaturally practical.
- The church is a living testimony of God’s grace and in turn genuinely works toward the salvation of their neighbors, friends, and family, Acts 1:8.
· Where Jesus is actively involved in the lives of his people, there is not only a modeling of his grace, but also a declaration of it, Rev. 19:10.
- Signs and wonders are anticipated in church life, Acts 2:43 & 47.
Summary:
Ø An overhaul on the understanding of church is needed, and a more biblical model must be desired. Simply replacing man-made traditions with more man-made improvements is not enough.
Ø The church is people who belong to Jesus, and who are being changed by the Holy Spirit to be like Christ in the world. The church is not a product to be consumed. Nor should it be promoted with every imaginable thing that appeals to people’s worldly senses.
Ø Rather than programs being the church’s ‘calling card’, Christ desires to make himself known through the church.
Ø God designed the church to be simple and to function within any geographical boundary, form of government, and economic system. It is adaptable and movable.
Ø The church’s success is related to the active presence of the Holy Spirit, rather than the size of its’ congregation or building.
Ø The drive to fill empty seats is a secular value that distracts the church away from its roots. Let’s reach for something more purposeful by applying biblical teaching, encouraging others, fellowshipping together and regularly ‘breaking bread’. God will then add to His church.
