What it really means to build the church

When Jesus talks about his church, he didn’t mean stones, pews and a steeple, writes Phil Gray

Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). The original Greek word used here is ‘ekklesia’ – meaning an assembly or gathering. I was born into a culture that understood the church to be a building: stone walls, wooden pews, perhaps a steeple. But my understanding has changed profoundly.

When Jesus speaks of building his church, he is not referring to bricks and mortar, but to people. The church is the community of those who believe in him – men and women, young and old, from every nation – who have been called out of darkness, delivered from the power of Satan, and gathered into fellowship with Christ, his Father, and the Holy Spirit.

This universal church is expressed through local gatherings, wherever Christians happen to live. These local churches meet in homes, rented halls, purpose-built spaces, or even outdoors – whatever is practical.

Ideally, unbelievers will also be present from time to time, so that they might come to understand why Jesus died and rose again. Some may believe and find salvation; others may not, but are still welcome to witness and consider. Regardless, it is those who follow Christ who are the church, whether gathered or scattered.

No church is perfect. A careful reading of the New Testament quickly dispels any romanticised notion of a flawless early church. Scripture makes it clear that the church will only reach perfection when Christ returns. Yet we are not without hope. As we fix our eyes on Jesus, we are being transformed – slowly but surely – into his likeness.

That is the very reason Jesus came: he became like us so that we might become like him and enjoy the presence of God forever. Jesus holds first place in all things.

His name is above every name, and he possesses all authority in heaven and on earth. He has entrusted his church with a mission – to proclaim the good news and make disciples of all nations. This is no small task, and it cannot be accomplished by human ingenuity alone. Our confidence must rest in God’s power and guidance. Yet we are also to employ every God-honouring means available to fulfil the mission we’ve been given.

And as we grow in love for one another – as Christ has loved us – the world will come to see that we are his disciples. May God help us to multiply, that those who have never heard the message of salvation might yet believe, turn to God, and find life through faith in Christ.

This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.