by
tim reiner
Church buildings can range from
small rented store fronts to grand cathedrals that took decades and millions to
build. The array of architecture and facilities that fall between a humble
rented hall and the majestic basilicas seems infinite. Some church buildings
belong to the congregation that meet in that location. Some church structures
belong to a financial institution and others to religious organizations.
Though most dictionaries
will define “church” as a building, we know that biblically it is never the
case but simply a called out assembly of believers (Romans 16:5). In the New Testament, the church is always
people not a building. A church can meet in a house, auditorium, or under a
mango tree. Followers of Christ that meet in gorgeous climate controlled
acoustically engineered “churches” are neither more nor less God’s preferred than
believers that gather on a porch or in a school.
Religious people will often
ask, “Where do you go to church?” which biblically makes no sense, yet we usually
understand what is being asked. Rarely do we ask, “Where do you meet for Bible
study and relationship?”
So, let me rephrase my title
to: How Important Is A Church’s Building? Now the question can be
answered. The location and facility where a church meets together can help or
hinder prayer, learning, worship, Bible study, fellowship, and counsel, to
mention a few activities that happen within
the church. The accommodations are as important to the social life of the church
(people) as lyrics are to music. Both are essential.
Here in Brazil, I enjoy
being a part of helping a church into new facilities that match their needs.
Like
putting lyrics to a melody, it organizes and gives continuity.
Near the little rural town
of Barro, the church outgrew their pastor’s house and needed a new place to
meet. For over two years, the brethren sacrificially gave to purchase property
and voluntarily build the walls for a meeting place. They reached their limit.
Three weeks ago, I loaded my
pickup with scaffolding, power tools, welder, power cords, and steel. Six hours
later, I arrived and set up shop. For the next five days we were able to build
the trusses, hoist them and the beams in place to receive the wood and clay
tiles. Though the floor is still dirt, and power is not hooked up, the church (assembly)
will soon move in to their building thanking God for His people who have
provided a place to worship, study Scripture, and continue to hear biblical
teaching.
Whether you just moved into
a band-new, ambient-controlled carpeted auditorium, with a 48 channel digital
soundboard, or a brand-new rough brick building in the bush with a dirt floor,
the thrill, the excitement, and the thankfulness within Christ’s church is the very same.
And that is sooo cool!
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