In Ephesians 2, the apostle Paul gives an unexpected description of the church:
"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
Paul isn't talking about a building — he's talking about people. The word translated "handiwork" is the Greek poiēma, from which we get the word poem. The church is God's poem, his artwork, his display of grace and power to the world.
God loves the church. He sent his Son to die for the church. So it's not just a human idea we can take or leave — it's an expression of his deep love and eternal purpose.
Finding a church
How do you find the right one? About 400 years ago, during the Reformation, Christians defined a true church as:
A group of believers gathered together, where God's word is preached, and where baptism, communion, and church discipline are faithfully practised.
When I'm looking to visit a new place, I ask:
- Is Jesus loved here?
- Is the Bible taught faithfully?
- Are they serious about doing what Jesus says?
Broadly speaking, that describes an evangelical church. Evangelical churches typically hold to a high view of Scripture, salvation by grace through faith, personal conversion, Christ's death and resurrection, and a commitment to sharing the good news.
Sticking with a church
Once you've found a good church, the next challenge is staying committed to it.
"…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." Hebrews 10:25
No church is perfect. But if we love God, we'll love his people. And if we love his people, we'll persevere. We'll forgive. We'll stay. Unless a church is seriously drifting from the Bible, leaving shouldn't be our first instinct.
Get stuck in
The New Testament teaches that every Christian has been gifted by God for the benefit of others.
"God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another." 1 Peter 4:10
This truth was a breakthrough for me. Realising that God gives gifts for the sake of others shifted my perspective. Serving in church isn't about how I feel — it's about how others might be blessed through me.
Not all spiritual gifts are public or dramatic. Most are not — things like encouragement, giving, mercy, service, and administration. Part of the joy of belonging to a church is discovering how God has gifted you and using those gifts to build others up.
Communion and shared meals
Jesus told his followers to share a meal together. We call it Communion, or the Lord's Supper. When we break bread and drink the cup, we're not just remembering Jesus — we're drawing near to him. His body, broken for us. His blood, shed for us.
"They devoted themselves to the breaking of bread…" Acts 2:42
But the early church also ate in each other's homes — every day. They showed and received hospitality. Meals weren't just about food. They were about fellowship. Sharing food meant sharing life.
In short
- Find a Bible-believing church — where Jesus is loved and the Bible is taught
- Stick with it, even when it's hard
- Serve others using the gifts God has given you
- Share in Communion, and open your home to others