A church is often defined as a building used for public Christian worship. But Scripture shows us the church is much more than a place we attend. You may have heard the phrase “be the church” and wondered what it truly means. Church isn’t simply something we do on Sundays, it’s something we live out every day. Let’s explore what being the church means.
The Biblical Meaning of Being the Church
The Bible gives us a clear and encouraging answer. The church is the people of God, called out to reflect Jesus through love, service, prayer, and faith in everyday life. Understanding what it means to be the church helps us live out our faith beyond the building and into the world God has placed us.
Going to church is essential for our spiritual health and a great privilege. But the building itself is not the church. The church is the people who gather to worship God, receive spiritual nourishment, pray, praise Him, celebrate communion and share their lives together.
As the church- the body of Christ- we each have different, yet vital roles. When we work together, we reflect a fuller picture of Jesus to the world.
Paul reminds us of an important truth: “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27).
What is the Church According to the Bible?
The first time Jesus uses the word church is in response to Simon Peter’s confession of faith in Him as Savior and Messiah. (Matthew 16:16).
Jesus responds with a name change for Simon and a new authority: “You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church…” (v 18) The word Jesus used for church refers to those who are “called out“- summoning us to a new life of service and set apart for His purposes.
Peter’s statement of faith is one all Christians give, bringing unity within the body of believers. As members of Christ’s body of believers, we are “called out” as His people. We are Christ’s church.
We are to live out the Good News of Jesus. Not only in our homes or within our church building or Bible study or life groups, but in our neighborhood, city, and beyond.
The Early Church in the New Testament
You won’t find the word “church” used in the Bible to refer to a building where the new believers met. Instead, it uses the names of the cities where the followers lived: the church in Jerusalem, Philippi, Corinth, etc.
The Holy Spirit ignited the church at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-12), and it grew by 3000 people in one day.
Early believers met in house churches within the cities. Because of the size of the homes in those days, they only accommodated about 15-20 people.
Acts 2 describes the fellowship of the early believers: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (v42) They met every day and ate together “with glad and sincere hearts.” (v46). They encouraged each other and shared what they had with those in need.
The early believers studied Jesus’ teachings, celebrated communion, and had times of prayer. They expressed joyful praise and showed practical expressions of love by meeting each other’s needs.
Later, Paul and his companions traveled where the Holy Spirit led them to spread the Gospel. Acts 16:13-15 records the first Christian convert in Europe- the story of Lydia of Thyatira. The church has continued to grow in ever-widening circles.
We Are the Church Today
While our churches today may look and sound different, the core practices and truths haven’t changed.
The church has always consisted of those who are “called out.” We are a people working together, using our spiritual gifts to serve others and live out God’s will and grace.
Paul teaches that since the Holy Spirit comes to live inside us at conversion, our bodies are now the temple of the Holy Spirit.
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” 1 Corinthians 6:19.
When you become a follower of Jesus, you are the church- not just on Sundays, but in every place God sends you.
We go out beyond the walls of our churches and live out the Gospel. We show others the love, respect, forgiveness, and servant heart of Jesus.
Practical Ways to Be the Church in Everyday Life
There are many ways to love people as Christ did, serve boldly, and point people to Jesus through truth, grace, and action.
Keep your eyes and ears open in your everyday moments for practical ways to show the love of Jesus.
When we do this, we are taking the “church” out of the building and bringing it to life in our homes, neighborhoods, and communities.
While we are living in troubled times, we have unprecedented avenues to reach far and wide for Him.
- Support your pastor and church staff. Serve and volunteer as you can.
- Check in with your friends and neighbors. Connect with them through call or text, paying special attention to those who live alone or are elderly.
- Use your spiritual gifts and talents to build up others.
- Share your faith through actions, showing compassion and care.
- Live out the Fruit of the Spirit with each person you meet, home and away. Start with love, and show joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control to each one.
- Use online platforms in the same way- share your faith positively, point to Jesus as your joy and comfort. Be quick to listen, slow to speak [type], and slow to anger (James 1:19)
Pray as the Church
Jesus teaches us: “For my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” Mark 11:17.
Take time to pray as the church daily:
- For unity within the church- to be one in heart and mind, sharing and caring for one another.
- To focus on God’s purpose for His people: to be like Jesus, reflect His character, and bring glory to God through love and the good works He has planned for us.
- Preach the Good News boldly, with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15)
- Pray for leaders in the church- spiritual strength, wisdom, and discernment.
- For hearts that desire unity, peace and reconciliation.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21.
Reflection Questions
- When you hear the phrase “be the church,” what stands out to you most right now?
- In what areas of your daily life is God inviting you to live out your faith more intentionally?
- How can your words, actions, or attitudes reflect Jesus to those around you this week?
- What is one simple way you can serve or encourage someone as part of Christ’s body?
- How does remembering that you are part of the church change the way you view everyday moments?
As you reflect on these questions, consider how God may be inviting you to live out your faith in simple, meaningful ways this week.
Simple Ways to Be the Church This Week
Want a simple reminder you can use all week?
Download the Simple Ways to Be the Church This Week printable and keep it somewhere you’ll see it often- in your Bible, prayer journal, or on the fridge.
[Download the free printable here]
☐ Pray intentionally for your family, church leaders, and community
☐ Send an encouraging message, text, or card to someone who needs it
☐ Offer practical help to a neighbor, friend, or coworker
☐ Practice forgiveness quickly and choose grace in hard moments
☐ Support your local church through prayer, giving, or encouragement
☐ Thank an essential worker or someone serving behind the scenes
☐ Share hope by speaking truth and kindness in everyday conversations
☐ Take time to listen well and show genuine care
☐ Look for one small way to serve quietly, without recognition
Being the church starts right where you are- in your home, your community, and your daily life.
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for reminding me that the church is not a building, but Your people. Help me live out my faith with humility, love, and compassion each day. Give me eyes to see the needs around me and a willing heart to serve, encourage, and reflect Jesus wherever You place me. Amen.
Blessings!
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the New International Version unless specified otherwise.
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