Common nomenclature compels us to talk about going to church, being at church, and liking or disliking a church or church service. But Christ’s plan for the church is something quite different.
Although we’re blessed with a beautiful church facility here at Mayfair, we could have all the carpet nicely vacuumed, a superb sound system, great coffee, good song selections, and a decent sermon, yet still miss God’s pattern and purpose for the church.
A church is…
…a worshiping assembly of believers in Jesus
…a body of localized followers functioning as one in Jesus
…a holy dwelling of the Spirit founded on Jesus
…a spiritual family and household in Jesus
…a team working together on the mission of Jesus
Further definition could be added to a fully-orbed picture of Christ’s plan for His people (the list above is simply derived from Acts 2:42-47; Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 3:9; 12:11-14; Eph. 2:18-22; 4:1-13; Phil. 1:27).
But notice something about the descriptors and metaphors employed by God to define His church: the church in whole and in part is a people not a place. The church is not a building, business, or buy-in social club, but the new covenant community of the Spirit — a radically distinctive entity commissioned by Christ, the resurrected Savior.
You live these truths so faithfully, beloved.
As we look ahead to what is known as Holy Week, starting this Sunday and through Easter, consider how our worship gathered and our service to one another scattered is distinct from and compelling to people who don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus and His church.
Today, who may you invite to Jesus? This coming week, who could you invite into the environment of our Good Friday and Easter Sunday gatherings?
You see, we’re not inviting them to enter a building for a program but rather to experience first-hand the good news and joy Christ among us. The beauty of Christ’s life-giving gospel isn’t found in a facility or service set-up, but in the smiles, tears, laughter, singing, giving, praying, and serving of the people He has redeemed.
So let’s pray, invest, and invite.
- Pray for the love and truth of Jesus to be communicated in word and deed through us. Pray specifically, by name, for people who need Jesus’ saving grace.
- Invest time into caring for the people for whom you are praying.
- Invite them to experience an environment that is composed of people redeemed by Jesus, his church.
Wait. Trust. See what God can do.
Soli deo gloria.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Michael
Mayfair Bible Church gathered for worship. Photo credit: David Kamuiru (2021)
P.S. This Sunday at Mayfair Bible Church, we’ll supply you with handy-dandy invitations to utilized in our “pray, invest, and invite” mission. These aren’t “on-the-fridge” reminder slips for you, but intended as a tool for others to experience the grace of God’s family among us.
So take as many as you’ll give away! 🙂
