Building a Church at Home
Author: Pastor Mike Gutzler
On Easter Sunday, we enjoyed the resurrection narrative from the Gospel of Mark. Now, in the first weeks of the Easter season, we moved into the book of Acts and are considering how the Holy Spirit built the church. In chapter one, we heard Christ’s promise to send a gift of power. In chapter two, which we skipped, was the story of Pentecost. And today, in chapter three, we get to enjoy the story of the first healing.
This opportunity for us to consider again the birth of the church is incredibly timely given our current context and inability to be together in worship. So, our job now and for the next couple of weeks is to consider what the first disciples did and said, and then think about how we may be called to act and live out our calling to build a new expression of church today.
We can look at the birth and growth of the church like building a new structure – like a home or even new church building.
The foundation on which the whole church is built is the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, God’s presence in the world, guides and leads the church. It provides power to bestow grace, forgiveness and love. Additionally it is the Holy Spirit that empowers each and every one of us with particular gifts. These gifts come to us in baptism and stay with us our entire lives.
On top of the foundation is the ground floor. If we look to the first actions and gestures of the disciples, we notice they were focused on generosity and mutual support. The community of believers came together to share resources so all may thrive.
Next, Peter extends the work of the Holy Spirit in the world, and thus the work of the church, by offering healing to an individual outside the community. This emphasis on care, healing, and love becomes the decoration and interior of the structure. It is these gestures that define the mission and direction of the communal life of faith.
Finally, through chapter three of Acts, the community of faith returns to the temple for worship. Continually bringing God to the center of life and routine through worship and prayer establishes a calendar and way to center community life on a regular basis.
The most important piece for us today, given our current situation, is the role of prayer. The Holy Spirit is actively at work as a byproduct of prayer. As we are unable to be on the ground and doing the work of the church in person, our prayer becomes more important than ever.
Take some extra time today to pray for three individuals, organizations, or situations that are on your heart and mind. Ask God to act boldly. And then be sure to close by asking God for what you need at this time. Have confidence your prayers are heard.