What Is the Church?

What do you think about when you hear the word “church”? I’ve heard all my life that some do not like “organized religion.” Some people think that “church” means a specific denomination – Methodist, Baptist, or Presbyterian. Some people believe “church” means a building and that usually means a location.

The word “church” appears more than 100 times in the New Testament, but it is never used in the same way we use it today. The word “church” means “a gathering of people.” All you need to have a church is people. The purpose of the church is to reach people with the Gospel so the Holy Spirit can draw folks into a relationship with Jesus.

The church began forming right after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus and started with 120 people. Peter preached at Pentecost, and the 120 grew to 3,000. The Book of Acts records phenomenal growth of the church. The reason for this growth is that people were drawn by the Spirit of God to the Word of God. What attracted people was the witness of the believers. Believers attracted people because of their witness and offered salvation to everyone who would listen.

If you’re wondering why your church isn’t growing – listen closely. Our witness is all we have to attract people to Christ. When we let our light shine, God can use our witness to draw others to Him. We need to become the hands and feet of Jesus, and when we do, Jesus can use you and me to bring others to the church. Remember the “church” means a “gathering of people”.

Prayer – Lord, use me in such a way that will draw the lost into the Church. Show me how to live in such a way that shows others Your goodness. Help me become the “hands and feet” of Jesus. Amen.

Acts 2:41 – “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about 3,000 were added to their number that day.”

By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Images: Bonsack UMC, David Beale & Mike Erskine, courtesy of Unsplash