Acts 17:24-25

Stop.

Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Reflect on the church buildings that have been meaningful for your faith. Take some time to thank God for these holy places.

Listen.

The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. – Acts 17:24-25

Reflect.

There’s a balance we must find in our relationship with church buildings. On the one hand, they are an essential component of our worship, service, and learning in community. We cannot fulfill our mission without buildings. On the other hand, we too often treat buildings like they’re the mission themselves. We forget that the church is people, not buildings.

In his speech to the Athenians, Paul reminds the people that we can’t build gods or places for gods to reside. It’s impossible to create a place for a god when you believe that our God created all life itself. In fact, Paul contends that it’s not even possible for us to serve God, because God needs nothing.

So why do we have buildings? Why do we do anything? Because what we do is not only for God. We live and serve and learn for the sake of our neighbors as well. We need a place that calls us together, equips us, and sends us out so others can hear the good news, be loved and cared for in Christ’s name, and be gathered together as a beloved community. A building doesn’t make you a church, but a building is an important place for a church to worship, learn, gather, and share.

We thank God that God has given us a mission to love and serve. We dedicate ourselves to caring well for the resources God has given us to share and live the gospel. We remember that God doesn’t need anything from us, but God does call us to good work for the sake of the world. We trust the God who made the world and everything in it.

Pray.

God, you have given us places and people that support us in our faith lives. Make us faithful to you in how we sustain these buildings and relationships. Help us to worship you alone, not the tools you give us. Call us together and send us out in your Son’s name. Amen.

Carry On.

What’s the most beautiful church building you’ve ever been in? Why? What does it say about faith and Christian community?