Is a Church Building Essential ?
There was a time when I viewed church buildings somewhat negatively. Let me explain- I saw them as a massive use of funds that could go toward “real” ministry like Kids and Youth camps or Bible schools and evangelism outreaches. I believed that they promoted a wrong view of the church – a building rather than the body of believers. And, unfortunately, I carried my negative view of church buildings to the mission field.
As we began visiting unreached villages, we often heard the question, “When are you going to build a church?” I often wanted to say, “The church is the people, not the building, God’s not coming back for the four walls and a roof”. My heels would dig in a little with a smile. And I still remember the day, driving on a back dusty road, my interpreter Bienvenu and pastor Tiem, both trusted friends; set me straight.
They are thoroughly committed Christian brothers, both are devoted to their church and calling. But in their kind, quiet, patient way, they enlightened me on African culture. “They will never trust you and take you seriously until they see a building.” It was simply a matter of trust.
A church building communicates permanence, longevity, refuge and commitment to the African community. It is a promise that the pastor will not simply rob them of whatever resources he can get and then leave them. The building is a vivid visual statement that the pastor and the church are committed long-term to ministering the gospel in that community.
Is it accurate to say that a building is absolutely essential to the life of a church? No, it’s not. But is a building extremely helpful in the life and ministry of a church in most African and other third world contexts? Yes, it is!
This is why my heart rejoices every time I receive photos from mission’s teams of CHURCH building construction.
Pastor Tiem’s and Bienvenu’s church, planted a church just outside the city in Lomnova Kome, a rural village. A man in the village had prayed for 12 years for God to send a church to his village. His prayers were answered and the church was thrilled when someone donated a small event tent and they were able to meet on their own piece of property. But still, a tent is temporary and does not communicate permanence to the community. In fact, the tent proved to be quite temporary, as it was no match for the winds and storms of West Africa. Twice the tent was badly torn by strong winds. The third time, the tent was damaged beyond repair.
At long last, in answer to this man’s prayer, this church will receive funding assistance from FiveSixteen Project for a permanent metal tabernacle structure.
