Church

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

Yesterday, as I was driving, I had the radio tuned to my favorite contemporary gospel station. As I listened, TobyMac’s “a lil Church (nobody’s too lost)” came on. The lyrics speak of someone in need, searching for meaning, hope, and a place to belong. Here’s the chorus:

I could use a little church right now

Love to have a little family around

I've been feelin' so overwhelmed

I could use a little church right now

The words stuck with me. They reminded me how vital community is in our walk of faith.

When we hear the word "church," we often picture a building—a place with pews, a pulpit, and stained-glass windows. But scripture teaches us that the church isn’t a physical location; it’s a people. It’s the gathering of believers, coming together to encourage, uplift, and grow in faith.

The term "church" as we use it today didn’t exist when Jesus walked the earth. The word derives from the Greek ekklesia, meaning "assembly" or "called-out ones." Jesus wasn’t referring to a structured institution, but rather the collective body of believers united in Him. However, as Christianity spread and the apostles carried the gospel forward, the early church took form (Acts 2:42-27), gathering in homes and shared spaces to worship, teach, and support one another. The church as we know it today emerged from this movement, rooted in Jesus’ intent for community.

This brings to mind another song, the simple yet powerful children's song "I Am the Church," which reminds us that church is not a place we go; it’s who we are as followers of Christ. One of the most well-known lines says:

"The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is not a resting place, the church is the people!"

As church, we are called to encourage one another, meet together, and grow in love and good deeds. Church isn’t about an address or a denomination—it’s about people coming together in Christ to love, support, and uplift one another. It’s where we find encouragement, accountability, and strength. It’s where we worship together, learn together, and remind one another of God’s truth. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us not to give up meeting together, because when we do, we risk losing the very community that helps us stay strong in our faith.

Just like in the TobyMac song, there are people in our lives—maybe even ourselves at times—who feel distant, alone, unsure of where they fit in. The beauty of church isn’t in the walls or the programs; it’s in the people who open their arms and say, “Come as you are—you belong here.”

Lord, thank you for the gift of community. Thank you for the people in our lives who uplift us, encourage us, and remind us of your love. Help us to seek out and cherish the fellowship of believers, to build each other up, and remind us that we never walk this journey alone. May we be the kind of church that welcomes, heals, and points others toward you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim