What a Church Should Be: Part 1

Imagine: Thousands of miles from home. A different continent, a different language. No family. New places – no friends. High stress levels. How to survive?

That was our experience at a key time on the mission field. We were moving frequently and, as introverts and new parents, didn’t have the energy or time to invest in transient relationships. It brought us to our knees, literally, and by the time God brought us through it, I had a completely different picture of the importance of church.

Ephesians 2:19-22 says, “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” (NIV)

Church isn’t a building. It isn’t a performance, either musically or behaviorally – “Straighten up and be respectful now – you’re in church!” Nope, church is a family of “fellow citizens,” a “household” made up of many members. Together, the members of the church gather and form a “dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”

Worshiping together with fellow-believers who are ready to be your brothers and sisters in Christ is such a privilege. I don't know if it's possible to recognize what a special thing it is unless you're prevented from attending when you desperately want to be there. After our experience overseas I can't take opportunities to worship together with others for granted ever again. Think about it.

Can you imagine such a thing? A group of people who by coming together form the dwelling place of God?!? Yet we have the opportunity to become part of such a thing every time we come together with fellow believers. Such family! Such support! And all of this is built on Christ himself – the One who loved us enough to die for us and rise again.

Are you part of a church? An involved family member working to support your brothers and sisters and together form that dwelling for the Holy Spirit? I challenge you to consider becoming so today.