Let's Build a Church _ Part 1

There are basically two different types of Christian church models in the earth today:

• The biblical church model  that God builds ... if we allow Him to.
• The non-biblical church model that man has traditionally built, and continues to build.

Let's take a look at both of these models. I think you will be amazed with the potential and simplicity of the biblical model and, at the same time, surprised at what we now call "The Church." Part 1 is going to be a presentation of  the "Non-biblical Church" and next week, in Part 2, we'll look at the "Biblical Church" model. I want to save the best for last.

The Contemporary Church Model:

• First of all we must think of a suitable name for the church building. This will help to distinguish us from the other churches.
  
• Find and purchase a nice location; an attractive setting is everything if you want to attract people.
• Hire an architect to design it and the various construction crews to build and finish it. It must be perfect in order to glorify God. Spare no expense to make it a total teaching and worship facility. Plan for two to five hundred attendees per service. (One of our churches in America has had 47,000 people in attendance}.
  
• Special attention must be given to the sanctuary such that the audience (the believers) will be comfortable. 
• Set up a large elevated platform with a pulpit facing the audience.
• Equip the sanctuary with the latest high tech sound, projection and lighting equipment to insure a total worship experience.
• Hire a multifaceted pastor to preach, teach and organize all the various outreaches and programs for the church with an emphasis on the youth. 
• Choose or hire a youth leader, and perhaps a board of elders to make sure the pastor's wishes are carried out.
• Choose, or hire, a gifted, charismatic worship leader to lead the audience (the believers) into the presence of God.
• And last but not least set up a predictable order for the service to follow so that everyone will know what to expect next.

   These are some of the facets that make up the non-biblical church model. What's that? ... you thought that this was the biblical church model? This model is not even close. Truth be known, this "corporate church" model was designed in hell so that the church would stay connected to and tolerated by the world, and enjoy its benefits such as a nice tax exempt status.
    The most devastating part of this model is that it spends inordinate sums of money to perpetuate itself; money that should be used to meet the needs of the believers as it once was in the N.T. (Acts 4:32-37).

Just take a look at the interior of these mega-churches. The question becomes does this really glorify God or does it rather bring fame and fortune to the ones who designed and those who lead them? Do you think that God needs a crystal cathedral (left), or a highly styled sanctuary (right) in which to be properly worshiped?
I personally have trouble finding this type of extravagant Christianity in the Bible. I heard a poem many years ago that made a lasting impact on my thinking:

I thought I heard the voice of God,

And so I climbed the highest steeple,

But God said, "No, come down again,

I dwell among the people."

   When 3000 souls got saved on the day of Pentecost (Ac 2:41) they didn't stop and build a physical church. Neither did they do so when 5000 souls got saved on another day (Acts 4:4). They simply did what was natural; they met in small homes and large public open places. The emphasis was not on the packaging of Christianity into neat little isolated empires where men, and not God are exalted. Since the days of Constantine (in approx. A.D. 300) carnal thinking men, out of ego-necessity, took control of the church and have continued to draw attention to themselves and their position in the church. Beloved, these things simply ought not to be so.
   Jesus' disciples were simple men just like everyone else. They were taught by Jesus to remain simple men; men full of the Holy Spirit's power. In this way God received all the glory. These men did not seek out fame, fortune or position. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees (the religious leaders of his day) for this very thing. He said,

   " They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Matt 23:5-12)."
   If we use our imaginations we don't have to work very hard to relate to the modern day pharisees who clearly exalt themselves above their congregations, standing piously behind their altars and podiums, talking down to those who hold them in high esteem. Jesus had a real problem with this type of leadership and called them "Nicolaitans" (Those who lord it over the people of God [Rev 2:15-16] ).

We want a King just like all the other nations!

   This need in man to be controlled and led by "special" men has been the norm ever since the days of Samuel (the last judge of Israel). At this time Israel rejected God as their King and wanted a "real" king like all the other nations (1 Sam 8:1-7).
   Many years later, (approx 1400 years) after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, God (the Holy Spirit) once again began to lead his people (the New Testament Church). It was an awesome church led by the Holy Spirit and confirmed by many signs and wonders (just like Jesus' ministry).
   History shows us that it didn't take long for man to once again grab the reins away from Him and begin to run Christianity into the ground. Out of these spiritual ruins the wicked Roman Catholic Church emerged and controlled all of Christianity until the Protestant Reformation took a big slice out of its religious pie. It was the protestant church and its control over the people that has led to the office of the modern-day "Pastor". These men, for the most part, are the reason the church is divided and fractured into so many isolated  and defensive pieces rather than united in the unity of the Holy Spirit that Jesus prayed for in John 17:21.
   This is not God's plan; it is man's plan; and it's wrong! I know that this comment about pastors will upset many who love their pastors and their churches, but we must put the word of God first and not sentimentality. The Bible must be our frame of reference or else we will end up with a powerless and divided church ... just like the one we now have.

   Well, in contrast to all of this, I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the biblical model we will be looking at in our next Blog entitled, "Let's Build a Church! Part 2".
   I look forward to your comments ...