What Kind of Church Do We Wish to Build?
Have you ever noticed the different terms we use to describe houses, especially ones we might like to build?
a. Ranch style
b. American Craftsman
c. Cape cod
d. A-frame
e. Bungalow
f. Farmhouse
g. Log house
h. Mediterranean Revival
In much the same way, but from a spiritual perspective, we might find ourselves talking with brothers and sisters in Christ about the kind of church we would like to build:
a. Large
b. Mission minded
c. Conservative
d. Traditional
e. Friendly
However, when we look to the New Testament, and specifically, to the letters of Paul, we do not find such terms used.
It is true that the church in Jerusalem grew tremendously prior to the persecution which arose following the death of Stephen.
It is also true that Paul was mission minded — he was Christ’s apostle to the Gentiles of the Mediterranean world.