The Church (Part 1) - What It Is (and What It Isn’t)

Key Scripture

Matthew 18:20 — “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among you.”

Big Idea

The church is not a building, a program, or a weekly event. The church is Jesus present in the middle of His people—and those people living as His hands and feet every day.

Why This Message Matters

Many of us carry assumptions about church that shape how we show up, how we commit, and how we love others. Misunderstand church, and you’ll treat church like a product. Understand church, and you’ll live like a witness.

What Is the Church?

The church is where Jesus is in the middle of community.
Not performance. Not preference. Not a place. A people—gathered in His name, sent in His power.

Nine Myths About Church (and the Truth)

Myth 1: “If you build it, they will come.”

We assume the right building, the right production, or the right vibe creates the church.

Truth: Jesus builds His church.
Matthew 16:18 — “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

A helpful perspective: most churches are smaller than we think, and that’s not failure—it often reflects God’s desire for real community where people know, carry, and care for each other.

Myth 2: “The church just wants my money.”

This often comes from abuse, distrust, or a transactional view of giving.

Truth: Giving is a faith issue before it’s a financial issue.
Malachi 3:10 — “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse… and thereby put me to the test… if I will not open the windows of heaven for you…”

Tithing isn’t a formula. It’s a trust decision. The question underneath is: who owns what you have?

Myth 3: “I get to choose my church.”

We treat church like trying on outfits: if it fits our preferences, we stay; if it doesn’t, we move on.

Truth: God places members in the body as He wills.
1 Corinthians 12:18 — “God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.”

This reframes commitment: if God placed you, your gifts are needed. Church isn’t built around personal comfort—God often uses discomfort to grow dependence and obedience.

Myth 4: “It’s the pastor’s job to reach the lost.”

We outsource mission to professionals.

Truth: Every believer is called to do the work of evangelism.
2 Timothy 4:5 — “Do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

Some have a specific gifting in evangelism, but every Christian is a witness. If people know you’re a Christian, they’re already watching your life preach.

Myth 5: “The church should avoid cultural tensions.”

We want a faith that stays safe and private.

Truth: The gospel collides with idols.
Acts 17:16–17 — Paul’s spirit was provoked by the idols; he reasoned publicly “every day.”

Truth creates friction. If we remove hard truths, we also remove the clarity of grace. The goal isn’t political branding—it’s allegiance to Jesus as Lord above all other identities and alliances.

Myth 6: “Church is one day a week—and optional.”

We reduce church to attendance.

Truth: Sunday gathering is part of church, but church continues all week.
Hebrews 10:24–25 — “Not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another…”

Sunday is a weekly rally: worship, Word, communion, encouragement, alignment. Then the church goes outward—into neighborhoods, workplaces, friendships, and needs.

Myth 7: “Discipleship is a Bible study.”

We treat discipleship as information-only.

Truth: Discipleship is life-on-life transformation.
Matthew 28:19–20 — “Go therefore and make disciples… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…”

Bible study is valuable, but discipleship also includes modeling, practice, accountability, correction, encouragement, and relational consistency. Jesus didn’t run a weekly class—He invited people into His life.

Myth 8: “I like Jesus, I just don’t like His bride.”

We separate Christ from the church because the church can be messy and painful.

Truth: Jesus loves His church and is sanctifying her.
Ephesians 5:25–27 — Christ loved the church… cleansing her… to present her “without spot or wrinkle…”

Yes, people hurt people—even in church. “Church hurt” is real, but it’s not the end. Jesus calls His people to forgiveness, healing, and maturity so we don’t waste our gifts in isolation.

Myth 9: “The church is a building.”

We think church starts when we enter and ends when we leave.

Truth: God is writing His story on human hearts through His people.
2 Corinthians 3:2–3 — You are “a letter from Christ… written… with the Spirit of the living God… on tablets of human hearts.”

The early church often had no buildings. The church grew through homes, relationships, and courage under pressure—because the church is people.

What This Means for You in 2026

You are the church—every day, in every place, with all your imperfections. And Jesus is still building, still saving, still healing, still strengthening, still sending.

Practical Ways to “Be the Church” This Week

Be present with people, not just polite.
Carry someone’s burden intentionally.
Serve where you’re needed, not only where you’re comfortable.
Speak truth with love when it matters.
Practice discipleship: invite someone into your life (coffee, a meal, consistent time).
Choose commitment over convenience.

The Church’s Mission

Care for the hurting. Help the overlooked. Love in real ways.

Matthew 25:40 — “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”

Communion Response

Communion isn’t routine—it’s realignment. A moment to examine your heart, surrender your will, and return to the cross.

1 Corinthians 11:23–26 — The bread and the cup proclaim Jesus’ death until He comes.

If God corrected a misunderstanding in you today—about church, truth, commitment, discipleship, giving, or community—bring it to Jesus here.

Looking Ahead as a Church

Next: vision for the next season, celebration, and a week of prayer and fasting.
Prayer and fasting isn’t punishment—it’s focus. It’s making room to hear God clearly and carry His word into the year.

Closing Prayer

Father, give us a new revelation of what it means to be Your church. Make us disciples who disciple, servants who serve, witnesses who carry hope, and family who loves well. Heal what’s broken, strengthen what’s weak, and lead us by Your Spirit into 2026. In Jesus’ name, amen.