Rediscovering the Heart of the Church

Beyond Buildings and Steeples

If you grew up in church, you likely remember the song "We Are the Church" from Sunday school. The lyrics go:

“The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, ?

The church is not a resting place, the church is the people.”

You might even recall the hand motions that went along with it. While there are many great contemporary worship songs, this old children's tune still significantly influences how I view the church.

Today, I still find that song's message resonates deeply with me, but I can't help but feel a sense of frustration when I see how the modern church often seems to sing the opposite tune.

It seems like the new version might go something like this:

• The church is a building... so you need to come to our church.
• The church is a steeple... look at all the cool things we have here for you to enjoy.
• The church is a resting place... just come and be. Observe. Watch. Be entertained. Watch the professionals tell you what they learned about the Bible this past week.
• The church is the people... if you are like us. If you look right. If you act right. If you give. If you serve.

This shift in focus begs a crucial question: What role does your church serve? Which version of the song are you singing?

Are you asking, “How do we get more people to show up? How do we increase our giving?” If this is your primary concern, you might see your church as a destination. This approach can lead to a focus on transactional activities—prioritizing attendance and budget over deeper connections and community impact.

Alternatively, if you find yourself asking, “How do we bring the church to more people?” then your church is likely more community-minded. This approach often fosters growth and genuine care for individuals but can be challenging when it comes to centralizing teaching around a core message.

Let’s revisit that song: “We are the church.” How would your church sing that song today?

Navigating these questions can be challenging. If you'd like to discuss your church or a ministry you're involved with, let me know.

As we reflect on these questions, remember the biblical perspective on the church's role: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35, NIV). Our role as the church is fundamentally about loving others and being a community, not just a destination.

Let’s strive to embody this vision and continue to grow in our understanding of what it truly means to be the church.

Blessings, ?

Jason