What Defines Your Church?

Bukokholo Church Building - Bungoma, Kenya

Does your church building have doors and windows to keep out the wind and rain and to protect benches and other items necessary for worship and Bible Study?  Does your church even have a building?  Many Brethren meet under shade trees and similar locations.  We of the West many times rate our churches by the buildings we have.  But is that a valid way to determine the strength of our churches and its ministry?  I don’t think so.  What determines the value of any church is how it presents the Word of God.  I know of great cathedrals that are massive in size but only one inch deep in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Having been at the location of this church building for a one day seminar, and meeting many of the Brethren there, I would say this is a great church because it puts forth the Truth of God’s Word.

 

Church Building in Altixco, Mexico

This church building is located near the base of the snow capped, active volcano Popocatepetl.  I have also been at this location, to speak at a Sunday service, and having  met the people, I know they have a heart for the Truth of the Bible.  Most of the Brethren of both these churches travel by foot to arrive for worship, Bible study, prayer, and preparation for ministries. 

What about the church where I am a member, you may ask.  This church has a number of very good buildings.  But I do not attend this church because of the physical facilities.  I attend here because of the teaching of the pastor and staff and the vision and burden the church has for our Brethren in many parts of the world. 

Buildings are important, but much more important is what the church teaches and stands for…..the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  All  else is secondary.  Where a church does feed people the True Truth of God’s Word, you will see a people who love others and assist other Brethren in their mission of sharing the Gospel with an many people as possible.  We are to work “together” in this matter.  Luke 12:48b states “….For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:…”  The  result of teaching the Truth of God’s Word is a burden to minister to others no matter the cost to the individual and the church.

The next time you depart the location of your study of God’s Word, realize that when you leave, you have just entered the Mission Field.

What defines your church?