What Makes A Church?

There are many ideas of what constitutes a church, but it’s defined exclusively by the word of God.  Many believe it’s the structure where believers worship.  And although a place of worship is important, it does not define a church (1Chr 17:1-15).  When a structure is built for the purpose of worship, it has to be sanctified.  And the building is then desanctified for common use before it is sold, or before it is demolished.  The two ceremonies usually involve a gathering of the congregation and includes a prayer.  In the Old Testament the presence of Lord dwelled in tabernacles and tents, and on items deemed holy.  And God gave strict (consequence of death) instruction of care of them (Nu 1:51; 4:15).  In the New Testament the Lord dwelled among men (Jn 1:14).  And finally Jesus gave the believer the ability to be indwelt by the Lord upon accepting him as Lord and Savior (Eph 2:19-22; Col 2:9-10; Jn 14:23, 26).    

The church is illustrated as a body, with Jesus being the head (Col 1:18, 24).  Just as a headless body cannot live, neither can an assembled people that don’t collectively recognize the character, essence, authority, and the word of God.  The church is also illustrated as the bride of Jesus, who -in love- has given his very life for her (Eph 5:23-27).  Just as we recognize a tree by its fruits, a church is recognized by an adherence to God’s word (Lk 6:44).  While it’s true the church is made up of imperfect people who err, the essential character of the that assembled body should be defined by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and truth according to the Word (Gal 5:22; Jn 4:24).  And just as individual believers are to repent for their wrongdoing, it’s my belief that individual bodies, and the universal church should as well -where it is applicable (Mt 3:2).  It is my prayer that we strive to be holy, as God is holy, for it is our charge (1 Pe 1:16).  Let’s stay right, where we are right, and get right where we’re not.

Although individual churches may vary in interpretation of disputable matters, we should ‘make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace’ and at least agree that ‘there is one body and one Spirit’…’one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father…’ (Ro 14; Eph 4:3-6)