What it is… and what it’s not.
When people today talk about “church,” it’s amazing how many definitions and ideas come to the surface. For some, it’s a building. For others, it’s an organization, a denomination, or a Sunday morning tradition. But if we really want to know what the church is — and what God intended it to be — we have to go back to the only place that defines it from the very beginning: the Book of Acts.
Acts isn’t a blueprint for ceremonies or rituals. It’s the record of how God began building His church through ordinary people filled with the extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit. So if we want to understand church, let’s look at what Acts actually shows us.
1. The Church is Made Up of Saved People, Not Just Gathered People
Acts 2:41 tells us that “those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” Notice carefully — they were not added because they showed up. They were added because they believed. The church, in its truest form, is made up of those who have trusted in Christ for salvation. It is not a club, a community group, or a social circle. It is the redeemed, gathered in His name.
2. The Church Devoted Themselves to the Apostles’ Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking of Bread, and Prayer
Acts 2:42 lays this out clearly. This wasn’t a passive audience coming for a once-a-week experience. They were devoted. Teaching wasn’t optional. Fellowship wasn’t casual. Breaking bread (which likely included both meals and communion) wasn’t ritualistic. Prayer wasn’t a closing statement before lunch. This was their life together. A true church prioritizes the Word of God, genuine community, remembrance of Christ, and a lifestyle of prayer.
3. The Church Was Marked by Generosity and Sacrifice
In Acts 2:44-45, we see that believers “had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” This wasn’t forced socialism. This was Spirit-led generosity. When people’s hearts are transformed by Christ, they hold loosely to earthly things and tightly to one another. The church isn’t a place where people hoard — it’s where people help.
4. The Church Was Unified and Joyful, Not Divisive and Cold
Acts 2:46 says, “they continued daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.” Notice that — gladness and simplicity. The church should never become a place filled with power struggles, complicated rules, or cold formalities. It’s where people, unified in Jesus, live out faith with joy and sincerity.
5. The Church Grew Because the Lord Added, Not Because They Marketed
Acts 2:47 finishes this incredible description by saying, “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” The early church didn’t have social media campaigns, seeker-sensitive strategies, or flashy productions. They had the gospel. And when the church lives in obedience, preaches truth, loves sincerely, and prays fervently — God brings the increase.
What The Church Is NOT (But Often Becomes)
Sadly, many modern expressions of church drift from this Acts model. The church is not:
- A weekly religious performance
- A political platform
- A social club for the morally upright
- A business or brand
- A place of empty rituals or traditions
It is — and always has been — the gathering of God’s people on mission together for His glory.
So… What Does This Mean for Us Today?
If we claim to be the church, then Acts calls us back to simplicity and sincerity. Are we defined by devotion to Scripture, genuine fellowship, joyful unity, sacrificial generosity, and a dependence on God for growth?
Or have we let convenience, comfort, and culture redefine the church for us?
The church Jesus builds is alive. It is Spirit-filled. It is Word-centered. It is mission-driven. And best of all — it still exists today wherever believers gather in His name and live out the calling He gave us.
Maybe it’s time to stop asking, “Where do I go to church?” and start asking, “Am I living as the church?”
If you are looking for a church to call home you can check out our Discovering Church Membership page to get to know us a little better. Service times can be found here.