We’ve already covered the common misconception that the church, as the Bible speaks of it, has nothing to do with the brick & mortar structures we commonly associate with it. So, if someone were to ask you what your church looked like, how would you respond?
Again, I am the first to admit that I would be tempted to start describing the physical attributes of the place where I worship. “It’s all brick.” Or, “We meet in a school.” Or, “Our church seats 350 people and has blue carpet.”
Don’t get me wrong, speaking of church as a building doesn’t imply sin. We have long referred to church buildings as “church.” We do this because this structure, this building, houses the church… it is a church building. But it is not the church. Many of us have lost the original intent and definition of the word, and to our loss. So, how can we respond to such a question?
We might say (and mean) things like,
“My church is absolutely beautiful! You see, we have a guy that is reaching out to the urban poor, and many have been saved. Most of our people are very humble and godly – they remind me of Christ in their actions, attitudes and words. We pray for each other often. Yes, it’s a beautiful church!”
Or, we might say, “My church looks like an ’89 Civic: old, rusty & desperately needing updating and repair! The people are traditional, bored, not growing, often complaining and in-fighting, and in desperate need of revival.”
Or, we might say, “My church looks like God’s orchard, full of good, spiritual fruit (Gal. 5:22): full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self-control. It’s a great community to be in!”
I think if truth be told, many of our churches need spiritual renovation — and I don’t mean a spiritual whitewashing either, but deep, structural renovation that leads to spiritual beauty.
So, how would you describe your church? How has God gifted you to help beautify it?
—DW
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