Spirit Built, Not Man-Made
The journey of establishing and growing a church is a transformative experience, as much for the community as for the leaders who steward it. When our church was first planted in 2015, the vision was simple: sing songs, preach sermons, offer prayers, and send people on their way. However, over time, we realized the immense depth and complexity that come with nurturing a truly spirit-built church—one that surpasses plans and human expectations.
A Revelation of Spirit-Built Foundations
The essence of being a spirit-built church is acknowledging that it is not man-made. Just as the new creation temple, as envisaged in biblical teachings, isn't crafted by human effort alone, so too should our churches be founded on the workings of the Holy Spirit, embodying gifts, diverse ministries, and communal obedience to God's Word.
The concept isn't new. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians provides a profound dual metaphor—linking the imagery of a garden and a building to describe the church. The imagery reflects the duality of the church's mission: like a garden, it is to be nurtured and like a building, it should stand strong. This reflects the need for both cultivation and construction within our spiritual lives and communal efforts.
Understanding Our Role as Co-Laborers
Being a spirit-built church doesn't imply a passive congregation. On the contrary, it means actively engaging in a partnership with the Spirit. In doing so, we align with the biblical metaphor where followers of Christ are likened to living stones, actively and beautifully being fitted together in God's temple, which ultimately is not confined to walls made by human hands, but built on hearts and lives transformed by His Spirit.
Such a temple is not bound by time, as seen in prophetic visions like Daniel's dream where an indestructible kingdom grows from a rock not hewn by human hands, symbolizing the ever-growing Kingdom of God. This serves as a stark reminder that no matter how elaborate the structure, God's presence will not rest in a temple made by human effort alone but will flourish in one inspired and built through the Spirit.
The Imperative of Being Spirit-Filled
To build a spirit-built church, we must become spirit-filled individuals—constantly seeking the filling of the Spirit to live out our purpose. It demands an environment where the dryness of faith is not tolerated but quenched through regular seeking and the humility of asking God to fill us anew.
The fullness of the Spirit opens the door to extraordinary transformation. Our mission, encouraged and empowered by the Holy Spirit, targets both internal growth and outward expression, converting personal struggles into testimonies and collective missions into fulfilled realities. It’s essential to approach our personal and communal missions with the Spirit’s help and to position ourselves willingly in His presence.
Scripture as the Foundation of a Spirit-Built Church
The bedrock of a spirit-filled life is scripture. The Word of God, breathed out over the pages of the Bible, is fundamental in training, rebuking, correcting, and equipping for righteousness and good works—the mission. Aligning with God’s Word strengthens us against the adoption of humanistic philosophies, reminding us that the true freedom and transformation come from divine truth, not societal trends.
As Jesus overcame temptation with scripture, our authority and growth as a church come from our unwavering commitment to His Word. In the spirit-built church, the authority to speak light into darkness and life into barrenness is anchored in our submission to God’s Word.
Embracing Growth Through Life's Shakings
Life is full of challenges that can either destabilize us or propel us into deeper growth. These moments of "shaking" are opportunities for the Spirit to work within us, transforming trials into triumphs. Within a Spirit-built community, internal conflicts and external pressures can catalyze unity and resilience, fostering a dynamic environment where members grow stronger together. These trials do not just happen outside of us but often challenge us from within, pushing us to be more forgiving and understanding, reshaping us into a more unified body.
Unleashing the Power of Spiritual Gifts
Every individual within this living community is gifted uniquely by the Spirit. These spiritual gifts are not meant to be hidden or used for personal gain; rather, they are tools to enrich the community and reveal Christ's love. When we harness these gifts—be it leadership, mercy, teaching, or healing—we contribute to the church's vibrant life, turning it into a place of genuine encounter with God's presence. This approach exceeds reliance on superficial attractions and focuses on the power and presence of God at work among us.
Worship as a Lifestyle
Worship in a Spirit-built community transcends the confines of weekly services. It becomes a lifestyle—a continuous act of devotion and reverence that extends into every aspect of our lives. When our worship is centered on the magnificence of God and the sacrifice of Jesus, it acts as a catalyst for divine encounters, drawing others toward His grace. Such worship does not remain static but fills the earth, influencing hearts and inviting transformation far beyond church walls.
Are you willing to humble yourself and ask for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit, even if it means confronting areas of dryness in your life?
How actively are you engaged in building your community as a spirit-filled individual, and are you aligning your personal mission with the church’s collective calling?
Do you view the trials and "shakings" in your life as opportunities for growth and increased faith, or as obstacles to be avoided?
In what ways can you deepen your commitment to scripture, allowing it to be the foundation that informs and transforms your life and community?
Are there any human constructs or ideologies you've unknowingly built your faith upon, and are you ready to address these to ensure your life is spirit-built?
As the church grows in spirit and numbers, how can you contribute towards making it a more vibrant and welcoming space for others seeking transformation?
Reflect on your church relationships—are there any unresolved offenses or tensions that you need to address to prevent division and promote healing?
Have you identified and embraced the spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit has given you? In what ways are you actively using those gifts to serve and build up the church?
Is your life more focused on building personal monuments or participating in the Spirit's missional movement? How can you realign your daily choices and priorities to be more outward-focused for the sake of the gospel?
Consider the content and focus of your worship. Are your worship practices truly exalting Christ and making much of Him, or have they become routine? How can you center your worship more intentionally on the Lamb?
Are you more tempted by attractional models of church growth rather than a Spirit-led approach? How can you advocate for and participate in a worship-driven strategy within your church community?
By embracing these principles, we become co-architects of a community that defies human conventions—a Spirit-built community designed to glorify God and uplift one another. As we embark on this journey, let us remain open to the Spirit's work, allowing His power to shape a future rich with purpose and divine presence.