Can we have a real conversation for a moment? Can we set aside our preconceived ideas and talk about the reality of the church? People often speak of “their church” in terms of its positive or negative attributes. Some portray their congregations as little utopias of Christendom, describing them as “the friendliest,” “having the best singles group,” “being the most benevolent,” or even “the most spiritual.” Still others have praised their coffee bars that welcome worshipers, promoted their recreational facilities (one even had a climbing wall), lauded their counseling services, or highlighted their numerous off-site activities. These are often presented as the very things that “make a great church community.” But is that really what makes a church great?
I have also heard the same people praise their church in one breath, only to criticize it in the next because of something a member said or did. Others criticized the church because it lacked something they thought it should have or failed to do something they believed it should do. So, is it a great church or not?
Here is the reality I want to bring to light: the Lord’s church is made up of people, not buildings, amenities, or programs. The Lord’s church is made up of many congregations, but there is no perfect congregation. This is because the Lord’s church is perfect, but the people who make up the church are not.
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world,” (John 18:36) and “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; … For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21). Paul also wrote, “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17). We also know that the church is called the “body of Christ” (Colossians 1:18), and also “the kingdom” (cf. Matt 16:18-19; Acts 2:47; Col 1:13; Rev 1:9). So, these verses teach us that the church is an organism, not an organization. It does not consist of brick and mortar, but instead, is composed of souls united in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
The divine pattern for the church, as presented in Scripture, is glorious and perfect (cf. Matt 16:18; Ephesians 2:19–22, 3:10–11, 5:25–26; 2 Timothy 1:13) Yet, our same Bibles also give details about some congregations who had many problems – in other words, they had members who were not perfect by any means (read 1 & II Corinthians, or Revelation chapters 2-3). While the people who make up the church are saved, baptized believers, that doesn’t mean they can’t still make mistakes, offend a brother, or even commit sin (cf. Matt 18:15-20; Rom 14:21; 2 Thess 3:14-15; 1 John 1:8-10). Even elders, who strive to set an example and lead the flock with wisdom according to Scripture, are still human and may falter at times.
So, ask yourself – with all honesty and sincerity – what makes a church great? By what standard should you judge a church? Is it by having impressive facilities, catering to our preferences, or social activities? Or should we look to the pattern revealed in Scripture? Perhaps, we should be more concerned about whether our church is pleasing to God, rather than to our personal standards. Maybe we should extend a little more grace and mercy to our brethren, especially the elders, if they make a mistake, don’t live up to our expectations, or falter in some way. If a church is more focused on seeking and saving the lost, nourishing its membership in the words of faith, and worshiping in spirit and truth, then that is what makes a great church!
-Troy Spradlin