CONNECTING POINT: Together - Beyond the Walls

Terminology is always an interesting ball of wax, so some added clarity is of great importance. In America, people often refer to the Church only as a building. Let us not make that mistake. If you read through the early chapters of Acts, you will get a different idea of “Church.” Add to that any of the Gospel writers, and the picture of the church becomes much clearer.

In Greek, ecclesiae is the plural term for church, meaning a gathering of people. So, the church is a community of people learning what it entails to follow Christ; we are

mobile, and our reach goes far beyond the walls of some building. Ben Mandrell, author and pastor of the Together series, makes a better start: “Part of following Jesus is

having a desire to reach people who are not part of the ‘church’ community.” This goes to the central passion of Mark’s writing. “For even the Son of Man,” Jesus says in Mark, “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). Salvation in Christ is so much a setting free—it is our privilege to share it—and we are then “the” church.

For the past several decades, many pastors have tried all sorts of “growth” models to reach people and train Christians. My question has always been, will these models last? How often do faith communities retain people with gimmicks and gifts? Often, pastors who try methods like these end up frustrated and discouraged. I have been fortunate to have some key spiritual leaders in my life who focus more on church health than church growth. When we are healthy as individuals within the church community, the church will be healthy.

Earlier in Mark, Jesus illustrated that loving God would show itself in our love for others, including and especially the lost and lonely. At a large dinner with many guests, some of whom had dubious reputations, his disciples questioned Christ’s presence. The ancient writer tells us, “On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners,’” (Mark 2:15-17). Jesus prioritized building relationships, even with those who were considered “ungodly.” Life occurred outside the temple or synagogue walls, and the same is true today. Mandrell draws a line: “Invite people into your life, not a place.”

Of course, it was not Jesus picking on the Pharisees; it is just that their behavior made them obvious targets for instruction, both theirs and ours. Casting judgment on Jesus for associating with “sinners” makes us all hypocrites. An attitude like that says a lot about a person’s character and passion for evangelism. A seasoned and compassionate Christian recently mentioned that a church lady many years ago did not like seeing “sinners” start attending church. Next, she abandoned the church altogether. What a tragedy, she missed out on another life being transformed by Christ.

I want to say to all who read here, guard your heart, but be graceful, compassionate, and demonstrate Christ’s love to all around you. Christians must learn to see beyond the walls of a building and to reconsider our purpose again according to the mandate in the Bible. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:31).