Churches are more than buildings—they’re communities of believers. Today, we’ll see what the Bible says about the purpose and importance of churches in God’s plan.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Church Vision
What Does The Bible Say About Churches
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
This verse emphasizes the power and presence of Jesus within the context of a gathering of believers. It reveals that the church is not limited to a specific building or structure, but rather stems from the unity and fellowship of believers.
Acts 2:42
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
This verse depicts the early church’s commitment to learning, fellowship, communion, and prayer. It highlights the importance of these fundamental practices in the life of a believer and the functioning of a healthy church.
1 Corinthians 12:27
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
This verse portrays the church as the collective body of Christ, composed of individual believers with distinct roles and functions. It conveys the idea that every member is valuable and indispensable, contributing to the overall purpose and mission of the church.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of regularly gathering together as believers. It encourages mutual support, accountability, and encouragement to live out love and good deeds, especially as the return of Christ draws near.
Ephesians 2:19
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”
This verse highlights the unity and inclusion of believers within the household of God. It emphasizes that through faith in Christ, believers are no longer isolated but become part of a larger family, sharing a common identity and purpose.
1 Timothy 3:15
“If I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”
This verse describes the church as the pillar and foundation of truth, entrusted with the responsibility of upholding and proclaiming God’s truth. It implies that the church serves as a stabilizing force in a world filled with falsehood and provides guidance for righteous living.
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
This verse emphasizes the role of worship and teaching within the church community. It encourages believers to immerse themselves in the message of Christ, using songs and spiritual wisdom to instruct and encourage one another, while expressing gratitude to God.
Romans 12:4-5
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
This verse refers to the metaphor of the human body to illustrate the interconnectedness and interdependence of believers in the church. It emphasizes that every member has a unique role and function and that unity is achieved through mutual belonging and support.
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
This verse underscores the importance of unity and harmony within the church. It urges believers to be of one mind, avoiding divisions and conflicts, and instead striving for perfect unity based on their shared faith in Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-12
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
This verse highlights the diverse roles and ministries within the church, emphasizing that each function aims to equip believers for service and building up the body of Christ. It demonstrates the importance of leadership and teaching in nurturing a healthy and thriving church community.
1 Peter 2:5
“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
This verse portrays believers as living stones being built into a spiritual house. It signifies that collectively, the church serves as a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices to God. It expresses the believers’ role in worship and service within the church.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This verse draws a parallel between the sacrificial love of Christ for the church and the love that husbands ought to have for their wives. It implies that love, selflessness, and sacrifice are crucial elements in the commitment and relationship between Christ and the church.
1 Corinthians 14:26
“What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.”
This verse encourages believers to actively contribute their spiritual gifts and insights during gatherings, ensuring that everything serves to edify and strengthen the church. It highlights the importance of participation and the diverse expressions of worship and teaching present within the church.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
This verse focuses on the reciprocal nature of encouragement within the church community. It urges believers to consistently uplift and support one another, fostering a culture of edification and growth that bears witness to their shared faith.
Hebrews 13:17
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”
This verse underscores the importance of proper leadership and submission within the church. It encourages believers to trust and respect their leaders, acknowledging their role as spiritual overseers who are accountable for their well-being, and ultimately ensuring the joy and benefit of the entire congregation.
Acts 20:28
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”
This verse presents the imagery of a shepherd to describe the responsibility of leaders in the church. It emphasizes the need for leaders to safeguard and care for the flock entrusted to them, recognizing the precious value of the church for which Jesus sacrificed his life.
Romans 16:16
“Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.”
This verse expresses the importance of warm greetings and affectionate fellowship among believers. It signifies the sense of unity and connection between various churches, exemplifying the shared bond and common faith in Christ.
1 Corinthians 14:40
“But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”
This verse highlights the need for order and propriety within the church. It emphasizes that while spiritual gifts and expressions are welcomed, they should be exercised in a manner that aligns with the principles of decency, harmony, and respect for the edification of the whole church.
1 Timothy 5:17
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring and appreciating those who lead and serve in the church, particularly those dedicated to preaching and teaching. It recognizes their significant role in guiding and shepherding the believers, deserving respect and esteem.
1 Timothy 3:1-7
“Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.”
This passage provides a set of qualifications for overseers or leaders within the church. It emphasizes the importance of character, integrity, and competence in individuals who aspire to serve in a leadership capacity. These qualities ensure the proper care and guidance of God’s people and the church’s reputation in the broader community.
1 Peter 5:1-3
“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
This passage addresses the role and attitude of elders within the church. It emphasizes their responsibility to shepherd the flock willingly, servanthood rather than seeking personal gain, and leading by example rather than exerting authority. It invites leaders to emulate Christ’s sacrificial love and care for the church.
2 Timothy 4:2
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
This verse highlights the charge to proclaim God’s word faithfully and effectively. It urges preachers and teachers to be ready at all times, patiently correcting, rebuking, and encouraging others with careful instruction. It underscores the vital role of sound preaching and teaching for the growth and spiritual nourishment of the church.
Philippians 2:2-3
“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
This passage encourages believers to cultivate unity and selflessness within the church community. It emphasizes the need for harmony, love, and humility, exemplifying a mindset that considers the interests and well-being of others as paramount. It promotes a Christ-centered perspective that fosters a strong and cohesive church body.