Church

I think that in our culture, there’s a lot of confusion with the word church. There’s a big difference between what the meaning of church was in the scriptures verses what we think of church in America. I’m not sure if this will help out on all the clutter out there – but I’m gonna give it my best attempt. Hope it helps… 

==============

The word church, in our culture, usually refers to an actual place. Church is a building where people meet on Sundays – and sometimes on Wednesday nights. A few of these churches have meetings most days of the week – and some never have a day off. To some, church is the sacred ground that is found within the “church’s” property lines. It is an actual place.

The roots of this understanding go back throughout history. Long ago, church locations were the center of town – a compass for all who lived within the town’s borders. Some ancient cathedrals were so giant and impressive that they were impossible to miss from any location for miles around. Today, many of these churches are monuments to the past and are virtually empty of life.

American church’s were toned down from the ancient cathedrals, but were still buildings at an actual place. The architecture was a lot less impressive and less ornate. The church became a simple building with a cross near the entrance. But it was not much different from the ancient cathedrals in that it was an actual location. This is a “less than good” definition of church.

Church. A place. A location.

Some use the word church when talking about their church’s CEO – the pastor (or leadership team). One might say, “I go to Pastor so and so’s church.” There are giant churches – small churches – leagues of churches – denominations – and so forth, and most are lead by a pastor and a leadership team of sorts (elders, deacons, committees, etc.). Many of these congregations (groups of people meeting for a singular cause) end up following the direction of their pastor. The pastor’s heart becomes the heart of the congregation. The pastor’s doctrine becomes the doctrine of the local gathering.

To some, the definition of church becomes a reflection of the shepherd. The identity of the church is so reflective of the leader that the church is actually defined by that leader. This, of course, elevates that leader to a place “higher” than that of the general congregation (at least, in the minds of some). The idea of church is connected to an individual’s (or a small group’s) personality. And this leads to confusion as to the word church.

Church. A personality. A leader.

Still, others use the word church to describe a particular belief – or doctrine (set of beliefs). A person might say, “our church believes A + B = C”, and if someone disagrees – or has a different point of view, that person falls outside of the lines of the church. In order to belong to the church – one must have “right” beliefs. The lines that are drawn are not property lines, but lines of “correct” thinking. This creates a very “us and them” mentality. To some, the lost are seen as lesser than those who “believe.” There is often a superiority – an almost arrogance – to those who hold onto this kind of thinking about the church. It also creates fear. Another “less than good” picture of God’s Church.

Church. Correct doctrine. Right belief.

So – what is the church?

The definition of the church within the scriptures is a follower of Christ. It’s a person who trusts God’s identity about themselves over their ideas that that they have about their own identity. The church is people – those whom Christ died for. The church is every man and woman who puts their trust in Jesus. Some might even go as far as saying all of humanity – including those who don’t believe yet.

The church is the bride of Christ: a beautiful picture of God’s marriage to humanity.

The Church is not a location. It is not a particular time – or day of the week. It is not a particular personality (in regards to humanity). It is not doctrine.

Buildings are dead.

Doctrines are not life giving.

And, pastor’s are only simple guides that hopefully lead people to Jesus – the life giver.

But these are not the church…

People are the church. You and I are the church – wherever and whenever we are.

So, next time you say, “Church is boring.” Or “I hate the Church…”

Remember that what you’re really saying is: “I’m boring.” And, “I hate myself.”

Have a great day!

Jer