"And, I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church" -- Matthew 16:18
Last summer I took a scenic trip through north-central Oklahoma to the quaint little college town of Alma, within a stones throw of the Kansas border. I went there to pick up my daughter, vice-president of her high school student body, after a week-long leadership training course at North Central Oklahoma University with other high school student government leaders from around the state.
Within this tiny Oklahoma border town were the usual trappings one would expect to find in nearly every small town in America: a courthouse in the town square; a Sonic drive-in across from a Dog-n-Suds; a McDonald's; a movie theater; pedestrian shops and stores; new and used car dealerships, farm implement dealers, grocery and feed stores, and a smattering of laundromats near the school to serve the students at the university.
As I drove around this little patch of the Sooner State it wasn't surprising to find churches representing just about every faith: Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Pentecostals, Catholics, Quakers and a Jewish synagogue were all located in an area between the nearly deserted downtown and the university. And, just like in most cities and towns these houses of worship were quite close to one another; some just across the street while others were down on the next corner. It seemed that all were congregated within a three to four-block radius perhaps representing how small the town was at one time.
These edifices to God's mighty work in the world stood as testimony to the depth of faith existing in this nub of rural Americana and their commitment to the community and the university they served. Some worshiper's would, of course, be from the school; students away from their home church who, along with the local residents, were practicing a ritual they had been taught from birth to "keep the Sabbath holy" by going to church.
I often think of those congregations in Alva and I wonder how they, along with the rest of us, are persevering as we cope with the present CoVid-19 pandemic. Oklahoma, like other states, is under a "shelter-in-place" order that has closed schools; restricted movement to only essentials (groceries, gas, post office, etc.), and closed businesses considered non-essential. We are told that if we must go out we are to practice "social distancing" by staying six-feet apart, wear a face-covering, and avoid bodily contact such as shaking hands or hugging. This is a truly painful and stressful time, yet the precautions we are taking are necessary if we are to slow the spread of a deadly disease and save lives.
One contentious side-effect of these "shelter-in-place" precautions are the prohibitions on religious gatherings in America's churches, mosques and synagogues. In this era of quarantine there are some who say that such prohibitions violate Constitutional prohibitions that divide church and state. I have received email from people complaining that such restrictions deny them access to God; that it is not only illegal but “sinful,” as well. A relative of mine sent an email saying that in being refused church attendance their days are dark and they no longer experience the Presence of God.
In these precarious times I, along with a number of pastors, have found myself thinking about this inability to attend church services; to preach or hear a sermon; to worship together, pray together, and draw spiritual strength from the shared experience of receiving God's Word. But, I have also begun to explore if such corporate worship is a necessary experience to our individual quest for spiritual fulfillment, and I find myself asking is our spirituality -- our relation to God in Christ -- so shallow that if we're not in a formal church setting we can't experience the presence of God? It is this question that has brought me to consider what is a "church?"
This seems particularly important in this time of a sweeping pandemic unseen for over a hundred years, forcing people out of work and onto the unemployment rolls; forcing us to stay home and avoid crowds, closing us off to our pastors and worshiping in a church and leaving hundreds of thousands of people sick, dead or dying. What does it all mean for the Church Universal whose pews are empty and whose priests and pastors, while well-armed with the strength of their convictions are, nevertheless, fearful? Where is the "church" when there cannot be a gathering, or an assembly of congregants, because the doors to our houses of worship are closed?
My grandfather and great-grandfather were both ministers and I often heard them speak of how our strength lies in the Bible. There is no denying that there is a great deal of wisdom in the Bible. Not only do we find timely messages, but we also find a source of strength to interpreting the signs for our day. As I explored this question of what is a church I believe I have found a clue in the scriptural reference that headlines this post.
In Matthew 16, Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" One disciple, Simon bar Jonah, in a moment of deep spiritual introspection, confesses his belief that Jesus is "the Christ," the expected Messiah of Hebrew prophecy. As I read this passage I find that Simon's confession of faith is also a profession of his love toward the man whom he called, "Master." In response, Jesus bestows a blessing on Simon, telling him that, henceforth, he shall be called Peter -- "Petros" in the original Greek text (a word that translates as "rock") -- and adds that upon this "rock" Jesus says he "will build my church" (Matt. 16:18). As I have thought and prayed about this verse I find myself asking, what did Jesus really mean when he said, "this rock” and “my church?" These questions I believe are fundamental if we are to reach an answer to the question what is a "church?"
Throughout history temples or other "holy places" dedicated to various gods or goddesses were where we humans were taught that a deity "lives." Of course, these places for the assembled faithful had to reflect God's majesty and omnipotence and we find it in descriptions of the temples at Jerusalem, or in photograpsh of the Acropolis in Athens, or the Forum in Rome. As Christianity gained favor in Europe such structures became the magnificent and beautiful Gothic edifices mimicked today as the traditional place to conduct worship and adoration of God. Thus, historically, these tabernacles, temples and churches have become the visible manifestation of God's Presence in the world; the place within which a believing community experiences that Presence and, as such, are the earthly manifestation of God’s Kingdom. But, are they, really?
When Jesus said, "The Kingdom of God is here, in your midst" (Luke 17:21), what did he mean? Did he mean, as some suggest, that it is Jesus, himself, that constitutes this kingdom, in effect saying, "I am here, therefore, the Kingdom of God is here" (Luke 17:21; Goldsworthy)? Such an interpretation fits nicely with the statement in Matthew 18:20 that Jesus is present whenever two or three are gathered in his name. It, therefore, follows that when Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God as already present he was proclaiming that his physical presence was the catalyst for, and harbinger of, this kingdom. If that is true, then without Jesus being physically present there is no kingdom.
What I understand Jesus saying is that yes, this Kingdom of God is right here, among all who are present, and he is, certainly, there to announce it. However, it is here if, and only if, one opens one's heart to it? This Kingdom of God which Jesus proclaimed is not reliant on Christ's physical being. Rather, it is a kingdom that exists within the human heart among those who live and walk an image of Christ existence. It is our personal relationships, not only to God but to one another, that makes this kingdom real. Our inspiration and hope in this kingdom is the love we have for each other just as Christ, himself, loved and loves all of us. In my view, this gives us a different meaning to the traditional view of the church as “God’s House,” and we begin to get a glimpse of an answer to, "What is a church."
If, as I am suggesting, the real Kingdom of God is found in our personal commitment to our love for God and faith in Christ, then the church is only a building consecrated to corporate worship. It is a gathering place for the faithful to celebrate their love for God in Christ and to share communally the Word and receive inspiration for their continued work in the world. This is the visible Kingdom. But, the real church, and thus, the real Kingdom exists invisibly in our hearts but visibly in our attitudes toward our neighbors. Thus, the invisible kingdom becomes the visible "church" in the lives and actions of those who are committed to the Great Commandment, "To love God with all your heart and all your soul and to love your neighbor as much as you love yourself" (Matt. 22:38).
We worship God in the corporate setting of the visible church while living the invisible Kingdom of God that exists in our hearts, God's real House. Such a view might make us think twice about what we say or do in each moment of our lives. It also gives a clearer understanding of how it is that we become separated from God and turn to sin when our hearts grow dark by losing sight of our purpose in Christ.
As I read scripture I find Jesus saying over and over, again, "Rise and walk;" "Open your eyes and see;" "Your faith has healed you;" "Pray to the Father in secret for He knows the secrets in your heart." The Jesus I choose to walk with is the One who always walks with love and concern for the other; their concerns, their comfort, and their needs. This is, in my view, the Kingdom of God that Jesus proclaimed. It is a kingdom that lives in the hearts of believers dedicated to the welfare of others. When Jesus said, "The Kingdom of God is here in your midst," I believe he meant that it is here, right now, among us if we accept it, believe it, and start living it. For if it does not exist here in us, then it doesn’t exist at all!
Yes, in this current health crisis the doors to our places of worship are closed, but just because we cannot worship together in a sanctified and consecrated place does not mean that Christ, or the Kingdom of God, is absent. His Presence is felt in the tugs of the human heart in compassionate concern for another. It is present whenever we ask, how are you doing? How are you holding up? Is there anything I can do for you? Is there anything that you need? Can I be the eyes that help you see; the legs that help you walk; or, the vessel through which you return from the dark death of depression and anxiety? Such concern is a demonstration of holiness, the true meaning of "sanctification." The church thus is a boundless assembly of concerned and caring hearts; one not confined to a place.
So, what does this "assembly" look like in this time of the CoVid-19? If Christ is present where two are gathered in his name, then it could be a husband and wife at home praying together, or a family reading the Bible together and asking for God's blessings. This "assembly" could be an elderly shut-in listening to a sermon over the radio or watching one on TV, joined together in prayer and hope knowing that Christ is right there in the living room! It is present whenever someone delivers groceries or performs some service to those unable to do it for themselves. It is always Me and Thee, I and Thou, even if “Thou” is a disembodied voice on the radio, on Skype or Zoom. Two people sharing a common experience of worship, adoration and prayer together brings Christ into the room even if it's over the phone.
There is more to a gathering than in a corporate setting of worship, especially in today's uncertain times where a close gathering of communicants could lead to severe illness or death. Would the God we love and in whom we put our faith and trust want us to put ourselves in such danger? The "church," in the traditional sense, is nothing more than an edifice; a building consecrated to God; but, a building, nevertheless. The true Church of God goes beyond a "place" and is a confessing and professing church in which, like Peter, we confess our belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. At the same time, we profess our love for him by mirroring the love he had for the sick, the stricken, the poor, the widowed, the orphaned, those that grieve and those imprisoned. Our God is a loving and compassionate God and Jesus is the face of God. Christ’s church is a loving and compassionate church and we are the face of that church.
By bringing love, comfort, and concern to our neighbors, without asking for anything in return, makes the invisible Kingdom of God visible as the Church of Christ. In making that which is invisible visible -- as Peter made the invisible Christ visible in Jesus -- we finally have an answer to the question of what is a church? The church is us! We are Peter, the "rock" upon which Christ's church is built, and we are the ones who make God’s Kingdom, real. When this pandemic is over and we once more can worship together it is well to keep in our hearts that, corporately, we are a church, but individually, we are the church.
Within this tiny Oklahoma border town were the usual trappings one would expect to find in nearly every small town in America: a courthouse in the town square; a Sonic drive-in across from a Dog-n-Suds; a McDonald's; a movie theater; pedestrian shops and stores; new and used car dealerships, farm implement dealers, grocery and feed stores, and a smattering of laundromats near the school to serve the students at the university.
As I drove around this little patch of the Sooner State it wasn't surprising to find churches representing just about every faith: Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Pentecostals, Catholics, Quakers and a Jewish synagogue were all located in an area between the nearly deserted downtown and the university. And, just like in most cities and towns these houses of worship were quite close to one another; some just across the street while others were down on the next corner. It seemed that all were congregated within a three to four-block radius perhaps representing how small the town was at one time.
These edifices to God's mighty work in the world stood as testimony to the depth of faith existing in this nub of rural Americana and their commitment to the community and the university they served. Some worshiper's would, of course, be from the school; students away from their home church who, along with the local residents, were practicing a ritual they had been taught from birth to "keep the Sabbath holy" by going to church.
I often think of those congregations in Alva and I wonder how they, along with the rest of us, are persevering as we cope with the present CoVid-19 pandemic. Oklahoma, like other states, is under a "shelter-in-place" order that has closed schools; restricted movement to only essentials (groceries, gas, post office, etc.), and closed businesses considered non-essential. We are told that if we must go out we are to practice "social distancing" by staying six-feet apart, wear a face-covering, and avoid bodily contact such as shaking hands or hugging. This is a truly painful and stressful time, yet the precautions we are taking are necessary if we are to slow the spread of a deadly disease and save lives.
One contentious side-effect of these "shelter-in-place" precautions are the prohibitions on religious gatherings in America's churches, mosques and synagogues. In this era of quarantine there are some who say that such prohibitions violate Constitutional prohibitions that divide church and state. I have received email from people complaining that such restrictions deny them access to God; that it is not only illegal but “sinful,” as well. A relative of mine sent an email saying that in being refused church attendance their days are dark and they no longer experience the Presence of God.
In these precarious times I, along with a number of pastors, have found myself thinking about this inability to attend church services; to preach or hear a sermon; to worship together, pray together, and draw spiritual strength from the shared experience of receiving God's Word. But, I have also begun to explore if such corporate worship is a necessary experience to our individual quest for spiritual fulfillment, and I find myself asking is our spirituality -- our relation to God in Christ -- so shallow that if we're not in a formal church setting we can't experience the presence of God? It is this question that has brought me to consider what is a "church?"
This seems particularly important in this time of a sweeping pandemic unseen for over a hundred years, forcing people out of work and onto the unemployment rolls; forcing us to stay home and avoid crowds, closing us off to our pastors and worshiping in a church and leaving hundreds of thousands of people sick, dead or dying. What does it all mean for the Church Universal whose pews are empty and whose priests and pastors, while well-armed with the strength of their convictions are, nevertheless, fearful? Where is the "church" when there cannot be a gathering, or an assembly of congregants, because the doors to our houses of worship are closed?
My grandfather and great-grandfather were both ministers and I often heard them speak of how our strength lies in the Bible. There is no denying that there is a great deal of wisdom in the Bible. Not only do we find timely messages, but we also find a source of strength to interpreting the signs for our day. As I explored this question of what is a church I believe I have found a clue in the scriptural reference that headlines this post.
In Matthew 16, Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" One disciple, Simon bar Jonah, in a moment of deep spiritual introspection, confesses his belief that Jesus is "the Christ," the expected Messiah of Hebrew prophecy. As I read this passage I find that Simon's confession of faith is also a profession of his love toward the man whom he called, "Master." In response, Jesus bestows a blessing on Simon, telling him that, henceforth, he shall be called Peter -- "Petros" in the original Greek text (a word that translates as "rock") -- and adds that upon this "rock" Jesus says he "will build my church" (Matt. 16:18). As I have thought and prayed about this verse I find myself asking, what did Jesus really mean when he said, "this rock” and “my church?" These questions I believe are fundamental if we are to reach an answer to the question what is a "church?"
Throughout history temples or other "holy places" dedicated to various gods or goddesses were where we humans were taught that a deity "lives." Of course, these places for the assembled faithful had to reflect God's majesty and omnipotence and we find it in descriptions of the temples at Jerusalem, or in photograpsh of the Acropolis in Athens, or the Forum in Rome. As Christianity gained favor in Europe such structures became the magnificent and beautiful Gothic edifices mimicked today as the traditional place to conduct worship and adoration of God. Thus, historically, these tabernacles, temples and churches have become the visible manifestation of God's Presence in the world; the place within which a believing community experiences that Presence and, as such, are the earthly manifestation of God’s Kingdom. But, are they, really?
When Jesus said, "The Kingdom of God is here, in your midst" (Luke 17:21), what did he mean? Did he mean, as some suggest, that it is Jesus, himself, that constitutes this kingdom, in effect saying, "I am here, therefore, the Kingdom of God is here" (Luke 17:21; Goldsworthy)? Such an interpretation fits nicely with the statement in Matthew 18:20 that Jesus is present whenever two or three are gathered in his name. It, therefore, follows that when Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God as already present he was proclaiming that his physical presence was the catalyst for, and harbinger of, this kingdom. If that is true, then without Jesus being physically present there is no kingdom.
What I understand Jesus saying is that yes, this Kingdom of God is right here, among all who are present, and he is, certainly, there to announce it. However, it is here if, and only if, one opens one's heart to it? This Kingdom of God which Jesus proclaimed is not reliant on Christ's physical being. Rather, it is a kingdom that exists within the human heart among those who live and walk an image of Christ existence. It is our personal relationships, not only to God but to one another, that makes this kingdom real. Our inspiration and hope in this kingdom is the love we have for each other just as Christ, himself, loved and loves all of us. In my view, this gives us a different meaning to the traditional view of the church as “God’s House,” and we begin to get a glimpse of an answer to, "What is a church."
If, as I am suggesting, the real Kingdom of God is found in our personal commitment to our love for God and faith in Christ, then the church is only a building consecrated to corporate worship. It is a gathering place for the faithful to celebrate their love for God in Christ and to share communally the Word and receive inspiration for their continued work in the world. This is the visible Kingdom. But, the real church, and thus, the real Kingdom exists invisibly in our hearts but visibly in our attitudes toward our neighbors. Thus, the invisible kingdom becomes the visible "church" in the lives and actions of those who are committed to the Great Commandment, "To love God with all your heart and all your soul and to love your neighbor as much as you love yourself" (Matt. 22:38).
We worship God in the corporate setting of the visible church while living the invisible Kingdom of God that exists in our hearts, God's real House. Such a view might make us think twice about what we say or do in each moment of our lives. It also gives a clearer understanding of how it is that we become separated from God and turn to sin when our hearts grow dark by losing sight of our purpose in Christ.
As I read scripture I find Jesus saying over and over, again, "Rise and walk;" "Open your eyes and see;" "Your faith has healed you;" "Pray to the Father in secret for He knows the secrets in your heart." The Jesus I choose to walk with is the One who always walks with love and concern for the other; their concerns, their comfort, and their needs. This is, in my view, the Kingdom of God that Jesus proclaimed. It is a kingdom that lives in the hearts of believers dedicated to the welfare of others. When Jesus said, "The Kingdom of God is here in your midst," I believe he meant that it is here, right now, among us if we accept it, believe it, and start living it. For if it does not exist here in us, then it doesn’t exist at all!
Yes, in this current health crisis the doors to our places of worship are closed, but just because we cannot worship together in a sanctified and consecrated place does not mean that Christ, or the Kingdom of God, is absent. His Presence is felt in the tugs of the human heart in compassionate concern for another. It is present whenever we ask, how are you doing? How are you holding up? Is there anything I can do for you? Is there anything that you need? Can I be the eyes that help you see; the legs that help you walk; or, the vessel through which you return from the dark death of depression and anxiety? Such concern is a demonstration of holiness, the true meaning of "sanctification." The church thus is a boundless assembly of concerned and caring hearts; one not confined to a place.
So, what does this "assembly" look like in this time of the CoVid-19? If Christ is present where two are gathered in his name, then it could be a husband and wife at home praying together, or a family reading the Bible together and asking for God's blessings. This "assembly" could be an elderly shut-in listening to a sermon over the radio or watching one on TV, joined together in prayer and hope knowing that Christ is right there in the living room! It is present whenever someone delivers groceries or performs some service to those unable to do it for themselves. It is always Me and Thee, I and Thou, even if “Thou” is a disembodied voice on the radio, on Skype or Zoom. Two people sharing a common experience of worship, adoration and prayer together brings Christ into the room even if it's over the phone.
There is more to a gathering than in a corporate setting of worship, especially in today's uncertain times where a close gathering of communicants could lead to severe illness or death. Would the God we love and in whom we put our faith and trust want us to put ourselves in such danger? The "church," in the traditional sense, is nothing more than an edifice; a building consecrated to God; but, a building, nevertheless. The true Church of God goes beyond a "place" and is a confessing and professing church in which, like Peter, we confess our belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. At the same time, we profess our love for him by mirroring the love he had for the sick, the stricken, the poor, the widowed, the orphaned, those that grieve and those imprisoned. Our God is a loving and compassionate God and Jesus is the face of God. Christ’s church is a loving and compassionate church and we are the face of that church.
By bringing love, comfort, and concern to our neighbors, without asking for anything in return, makes the invisible Kingdom of God visible as the Church of Christ. In making that which is invisible visible -- as Peter made the invisible Christ visible in Jesus -- we finally have an answer to the question of what is a church? The church is us! We are Peter, the "rock" upon which Christ's church is built, and we are the ones who make God’s Kingdom, real. When this pandemic is over and we once more can worship together it is well to keep in our hearts that, corporately, we are a church, but individually, we are the church.
