Number 10: the Church Building

This is the first post in a brief series entitled Ten Church Structures That Hinder Disciple Making. My hope is that after identifying traditional structures that cause problems, we can discuss solutions to assist the church in becoming more effective disciple makers.

The first traditional structure is, quite literally, a structure. I'm referring to the church building itself. These range in size and style, but in the end they have numerous similarities. The church building, often unfortunately referred to as "the church," is the edifice where most Christians gather to take part in the large majority of their Christian activities. It is where the church (the people) usually gather. Thousands upon thousands of these buildings exist all over the globe. In the USA they are simply everywhere, especially here in the Tradition Belt.

Like many other man-made traditions, church buildings are largely unquestioned and unchallenged. This is both fascinating and disturbing since no biblical case can be made in support of special buildings for the church. In scripture the general practice was meeting in homes. Special buildings did not come into play until the time of Constantine.

What problems do church buildings cause for disciple making? I'll offer a few. You may be able to think of more.

1. Church buildings are large, at least compared to homes. Because of this, it is easy to get to know a lot of people a little bit. However, it is difficult in this setting to really get to know anyone intimately. This impairs relationships.

2. Many Christians think of church buildings as holy places. I've heard numerous believers refer to church buildings as "God's house." Because of this, some activities are seen as appropriate only when they occur inside the church building.

3. The church building centralizes Christian activity and leads to a sacred/secular mindset. This leads to many Christians acting much like the world when outside the building, but like holy people when inside.

4. Church buildings are both very expensive and often empty. This means that churches spend much of their money on edifices that sit largely unoccupied for the vast majority of the week. This amounts to a tremendous waste of resources.

Church buildings, then, hinder disciple making because they impair the creating of deep relationships in Christ, they focus Christian activity inside specific buildings, they foster a sacred/ secular split mindset, and the gobble up financial resources that could be used elsewhere.

What can be done about this? I suppose that depends on how radical Christians are willing to be. I'd be thrilled to see all church buildings go up for sale today. However, I realize that's not likely to occur. If a church family owns a building, I encourage them to think about at least downsizing in some way.

As for disciple making, strong relationships are a key to carrying out the "one anothers" we see in scripture (for example). In order for these to come about, Christians need to spend time together in small groups. This can happen in homes, in coffee shops, or just about anywhere else where free-flowing activity can happen in small numbers.

Another key in all this is trying to rid ourselves of any sort of sacred/secular thinking. All activity is sacred. Christ demands and deserves our loyalty 24/7. Since this is the case, all our activity is Christian activity. Nothing should be reserved for taking place inside a special building. Anything can and should happen at any time. We are most like Christ when we are sacrificially serving others. Service ideally takes place anywhere, anytime.

We most effectively make disciples and become disciples when we live out the Christian life in real community with other believers. This is not centralized, but is everywhere. It does not require much money, but does take time. It best happens in small groups that edify one another to liberally love both believers and unbelievers.

What do you think? What solutions do you have?