Why Building God’s People Matters More Than Brick and Mortar
It’s easy to get excited about new buildings—shiny sanctuaries, modern meeting halls, or grand fellowship centers. For pastors and church leaders, there’s a natural pull to dream about what a new space might offer: more room for worship, better classrooms, or a beautiful place for the community to gather. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a nicer building. But sometimes, the focus on stone, steel, and stained glass can overshadow something much more important: the people.
The Temptation of Big Projects
Pastors and leaders often pour their hearts into building projects. After all, a new building seems like a sign of growth and progress. Blueprints, fundraising, and construction can quickly take center stage. But in the flurry of activity, it’s possible to lose sight of what makes the church truly alive—God’s people.
The True Church Isn’t Just a Building
When the Bible talks about the “church,” it isn’t talking about the steeple, the walls, or the pews. The true church is a community—a family of believers, connected by faith and love. In 1 Peter 2:5, the Bible calls us “living stones” being built into a spiritual house. In other words, God cares far more about building up people than putting up buildings.
Signs We Might Be Missing the Point
· Programs over people: When church activities become all about filling the new building instead of filling hearts with hope and truth.
· Budgets over blessings: When most conversations center on money and maintenance, not on caring for the hurting or reaching out to the lonely.
· Image over impact: When leaders care more about how the church looks on the outside than how the people are growing inside.
Refocusing on What Matters
Of course, buildings can be blessings! They give us places to gather, learn, and serve. But the main job of church leaders is to help people know God, love each other, and live lives that make a difference. That means investing time and energy in relationships, prayer, teaching, and helping people grow in faith.
Here are some simple ways to keep the focus on the spiritual house God is building:
· Spend time with people: Get to know them, listen to their stories, and pray with them.
· Encourage spiritual growth: Teach, mentor, and walk alongside people as they grow in their faith.
· Serve the community: Show God’s love outside the church walls, not just inside.
· Celebrate changed lives: Rejoice when someone finds hope, healing, or a new purpose, not just when the paint is fresh or the carpet is new.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, when the crowds are gone and the lights are turned off, the church building is just a shell. It’s the people—God’s living stones—who make up the real, lasting church. So let’s not get so caught up in building up walls that we forget to build up hearts. After all, that’s the kind of house God truly wants to fill.
Blessings,
Minister Aleatha F Green
afrancinegreen.com 