A Church is Not Just a Building

I've always thought of a church as a building, a place where people go to worship. That’s probably how most of us would define it. But today I realized just how inadequate that definition is.

For most of my life, I've gone to church. To some building, somewhere, usually with lots of people in it. They were usually dressed up, some in robes, and normally an organ played something. It was nice. It felt like church was supposed to feel.

But today, for the second time in a few weeks, I worshiped in a garage. And I never felt more like I was at church than I have these last few weeks. I don’t know how to explain it really, but somehow it was just “right.” Nobody complained because they didn't like the music, or the sermon was too long, or it was too cold, or the kids weren't dressed right…. Nobody cared when the prayer music was probably a bit too loud, or when I hit a D chord instead of a C. But everyone did listen to the message, everyone seemed to appreciate the prayers, we all sang, and we all took communion feeling that this was more than just a blind ritual.

Things that sometimes seem important many times turn out to be meaningless. The style of music? I've been to moving services with majestic organs and inspiring choirs, as well as those with just a guitar and and keyboard. I’m guessing God appreciates all kinds of music. Jeans or suits? It really just doesn't seem to matter.

In two weeks, our group will begin regular services at a very small room in a basement downtown. Just one room. I’m pretty sure it won’t look like a regular church. But we’re all excited about it. It will be a home, at least for a while, in which we can share with each other, and hopefully others as well, everything that we feel church can be.

No, church is not just a building. Church is more about people, and their mission, and their oneness in a belief they want to share. Church is about trying to follow Christ, and what he taught us. Church is about acceptance of everyone, even if they’re not just like us or don’t always agree with us, because that's what Jesus did.

You know, I’m not really sure exactly what church is. But I know it’s not just a building. In fact, I’m sure that the building is the least important part of it.