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By Steve Yurek
Pastor, Kearny SBC
Since this is the first “Pastors Corner” in a long time I thought I would take a look at a topic that has filled libraries with books written to answer these two questions: (1) “What is the purpose of the church?” and “What is the church?”
And before you answer that question, think about the ways we use the word ‘church’:
“I go to church on Sunday.” “I am on the church board.” “How many un-churched kids attend youth group?” “Put on your church clothes.” Judging by those four statements, the church is a location, an organization, a social status and a style of clothing. When Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” – was that what He was talking about?
Hmmm….Acts 11:22 – “News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.” Acts 12:5 – “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” Acts 14:27 -”On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them” Romans 16:5 – “Greet also the church that meets at their house.” The church is people. God’s people. People who belong to the kingdom of God. We are the many parts which make up the body of which Christ is the head.
1 Corinthians 12:27-28 says “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages.”
The church is not a building. It is not a social club. It is not a charitable organization. It’s not a program. And it’s certainly not a style of clothes! The church is just people.
We are the church simply because we belong to the kingdom of God. So…When was the last time you worked on YOUR own personal church building? Don’t you think it is time you looked at your own individual church foundation and make sure that it will support what you are building on top of it?
God Love You!
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