Jesus’ last words recorded in Matthew are referred to as The Great Commission (28:18-20). His statement is rooted in the imperative command to “Make Disciples,” followed by three participles stated with imperative force, “Going,” “Baptizing,” and “Teaching.” While it’s unfortunate our English translations fail to communicate Matthew’s intent, the essence of the Great Commission is still felt. The followers of Christ were far from restricting themselves to four walls.
In the days following Pentecost the disciple regularly met in two locations: temple courts and in each other’s homes (Act. 2:46). As an offshoot of the Jewish faith, these disciples saw the value of a large place like the temple grounds for gatherings, teaching and sharing. Many people naturally gravitated to the temple, so contact with them was possible in order to share the good news Jesus offered. But they also met in homes, where the setting limited the gathering so intimacy and friendship could deepen. Because of these two places, the early disciples understood that faith was beyond four walls.
When the disciple began facing threats and persecution (Act. 8:1,3), many left the region taking the gospel with them. By the time Paul began establishing churches in gentile communities, the standard meeting places became the home (e.g. Rom. 16:5a; Philemon 2). That does not mean Paul never met outside the home. He went to the Synagogues (Act. 13:5, 14; 18:4), places of prayer (Act. 16:13) and to the marketplace (Act. 17:19; 19:9-10). Even still, the home seemed to be the cornerstone for the church as they were never caged within four walls.
The cornerstone of American churches has been the building. On the frontier, the first construction built was often the church, and it was usually situated in the center of the new town. To gain legitimacy, the religious groups needed a physical presence in a community. Carried over from the Latin was a misunderstanding of the word for church. In essence, the Greek word for church always referred to people while in the Latin associated itself to structure. The correlation between “church” and a building has been so strong that the structure became the source for faith and in many cases more important than the people who worship within the four walls.
For the past few months Churches in America have been sailing through uncharted waters. Social distancing have shut down our buildings, and only recently have they opened up again. Even still, most churches who have opened are implementing forms of social distancing (i.e., shorter services, seating is spaced, no trays are passed, etc.). Online teaching services continue and seem to be filling a void in people’s spiritual lives. Without seeing members at “services,” intentional contact has been on the rise. We text and call people just to “check-in.” We’re following up on neighbors and friends to make sure all is well. We’re finding that the church is far from the limitations of four walls.
What the future holds is always uncertain, though clearly God holds us in his hands. But that day will come when everything is set back to “normal” – and that day will come. Our Sunday morning services will be at full swing with Bible classes and potlucks. Groups will safely be using the facility throughout the week again. The fears of the COVID-19 virus will be a distant memory. Let’s remember, more than ever, how the life of the church is beyond four walls.
Soli Deo Gloria!
(i.e., only God is glorified!)