Building a Church: Understanding the True Essence and Fundraising Strategies

As discussed, the process of building a church can be approached in various ways, one of which is through donations. While this is a viable option, it is essential to consider the broader context of what a church truly represents. According to biblical teachings, a church is not merely a physical structure but an assembly of people. Deuteronomy 7:6 mentions, 'For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on earth to be his treasured possession.' This concept is reiterated in 1 Corinthians 3:16–17 where the apostle Paul says, 'Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person, for God’s temple is sacred, and you yourselves are God’s temple.'

Understanding the True Essence of a Church

God's presence is not confined to any structure built by humans. Acts 7:48 and Matthew 18:19-20 emphasize that the church is the body of believers and the assembly of people, not a physical location. These verses state, 'God does not dwell in buildings made by hands' and 'For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.'

Establishing a Building Fundraising Campaign

While the essence of a church lies in its people, it doesn't mean that raising funds for a physical space is impossible or unnecessary. If a group of believers decides to build a church, they can establish a building fundraising campaign. There are numerous methods to achieve this, which can be found by searching online. However, it is crucial that the members of the church are the primary contributors. This approach reflects the sacrificial nature of the faith and builds trust within the community.

Building the Church Together

Drawing from my experience in West Africa, where I was a church planter during my missionary career, I often faced the question of who would build the church building. To address this, I would ask the community to accompany me to the chief's house and then ask the chief about who built his house. The chief would respond that it was the community that built the house, with different members contributing in various ways. Applying this analogy to the church, I would then ask, 'Then if your people built the chief's house, who do you think should build the chief of chiefs' house?' This approach illustrates that the church should be a collective effort and not the work of just a few.

The Importance of Sacrifice and Fellowship

Early believers in the Acts 2 and 4 chapters modeled their contributions by sacrificing and pooling resources for communal projects. When the church is built by the members, it becomes a place where they can come together to worship, fellowship, and support one another. This communal approach not only strengthens the church but also allows for the efficient use of resources. Instead of funding a separate building, the church can meet in a community center, thereby saving money and using the funds for other church-related activities.

Conclusion

In summary, while building a church can be a valuable and meaningful endeavor, it is important to understand the deeper significance of the church as a community of believers. This understanding ensures that the process of building aligns with biblical teachings and strengthens the spiritual foundation of the church. By focusing on the essence of God's house as a gathering of people, rather than a physical structure, we can ensure that the church continues to thrive and serve its spiritual purpose effectively.

Keywords: church building, fundraising campaign, assembly worship