Chapter 9 - Do You Need a Chapel
In
many lands where Christianity is nearly extinct as a vital force,
beautiful cathedrals tower. Vast sums were spent erecting monuments of
stone while spiritual life flickered and died. It often seems that the
more magnificent the building, the less vibrant life one may find. Can
an elaborate building often be a compensation for an unwillingness to
live zealously for God? We give money rather than life?
What did
the early church do? There are no rules about buildings in Scripture.
The early church was flexible and adaptable, determined to survive in
every environment; therefore, its externals were minimal, quite
different from the beautiful and elaborate temple service.
The
apostles and early converts used whatever means were available to
further the work. The temple. was a natural meeting place, excellent
for proclaiming the gospel of Christ to large numbers. Crowds of people
thronged the place. The Christians met daily in the temple for
preaching and teaching (Acts 2:46). However, they needed a different
arrangement for remembering the Lord in the breaking of bread and for
fellowship. For this they split into smaller groups in homes, "breaking
bread from house to house" (Acts 2:46).
The church in Jerusalem
was soon scattered by persecution (Acts 8:1) and the Christians carried
the good news wherever they went. To reach outsiders, to evangelize,
they used public buildings. The synagogue was first used. Here was an
audience schooled in the Scriptures, waiting for the Messiah. These
deserved to hear first (Acts 13:5, 14). In most cases some believed
and formed the nucleus for a new church.
In time the Jews who
disbelieved rejected the Christians from the synagogue and they began
to meet in homes (Acts 18:17). Where else could they go? For evangelism
they still went to public places - a riverside (Acts 16:13), a market
place (Acts 17:17), a school building (Acts 19:9), and one could always
go from house to house, knocking on doors, telling out the good news
(Acts 20:20). It was a vibrant, aggressive ministry. They had no
building in which to hole up; constantly they were in the stream of
life.
For their fellowship, worship and teaching they met in
homes. Perhaps one home with a large room would be used regularly.
Expenses were at a minimum. Funds were used to support the poor and the
Lord's servants (Acts 11:29; Phil. 4:16). It was all delightfully
simple.
Just how important is a building? Some Christians today
are reluctant to start meeting because they have no church building.
They feel they cannot do a work for God without a chapel. Some churches
today are hesitant to leave liberal denominations because they do not
hold title to their building. They feel they cannot carry on if they
lose their chapel. Is it possible to be too dependent on a church
building?
What are some principles to remember? We must remind
ourselves that a church is basically people, an assembly of believers.
A building is only a tool. The early church used whatever tools were
available. Perhaps the church today is too rigid in its approach. We
like to withdraw into our beamed chapels and let the world go by. If
people are curious, let them come in.
Secondly, there is the
matter of stewardship. Are we putting too much of our income into wood
and steel and too little into men who proclaim the Word? Is it possible
to put too many thousands into a building we only use two or three days
a week? Would a businessman regard this as the best use of capital in
his business?
Perhaps our conscience is a little uneasy at times
as we sit in our padded pews, admire the warmth and luxury of our wood
panelling and hear a missionary tell of the heathen who have never
heard. (Oh well, the Lord deserves the best.)
Another principle
to consider is that the building should be conducive to fellowship.
More and more denominational churches are stressing this. Semicircular
or circular auditoriums with a table in the midst are being used. Why?
Because the face-to-face contact is seen as important to fellowship.
Nearness to one another and to the speaker, intimacy, are being
stressed. It is a good trend.
What are some practical
possibilities for a beginning church? If land is reasonable, an
assembly may be able to buy and to build rather quickly. A modest
chapel may be considered a wise investment, especially if no adequate
rentals are available. If the assembly is alert and active, the
building may be used several nights a week. Such a group may meet in
homes until the chapel is ready.
Increasingly though, especially
in urban areas, it may be difficult or impractical to acquire your own
building. Land is prohibitively high. Enough land may cost $20,000 to
$50,000 or more. For a beginning group, this is astronomical. A
seminary professor a few years ago predicted that soon it would be
almost impossible to start new churches in metropolitan areas. Building
costs would be too high.
Is there any way out? A Christian
publication (Christian Life, Feb., 1969) told of a pastor moving into
an inner city environment to start a church. The church now rents a
union hall and is very happy with the facilities. Rent is low and the
spartan character of the building forces them to think in spiritual
terms of worship. They have a flourishing, happy fellowship.
An
assembly starting in this way could have mid-week prayer meetings in
homes.A larger assembly could have several prayer meetings.This would
stimulate more participation and interest. One or two elders could
supervise each meeting.
It is difficult to have larger Sunday
services in homes. When a group first starts, it may be feasible but
with growth, there is usually not adequate room. Also, there is the
parking problem, neighbors complaining, city zoning, etc. A lodge hall,
union hall or women's club building may be the answer.
Some
churches may decide they never want to own a building. Their money can
be put into evangelistic efforts, literature, men, rather than into
brick and mortar. In fact, 1 many churches are finding their most
effective evangelism is done outside their chapels. Here we need vision
and concern. Street evangelism, house-to-house visitation, home Bible
studies, ladies' coffee hours — these are a few of the outreaches
possible.
For those who live where property is expensive, take
courage. Effective assemblies can be formed and function even without
owning a chapel. This may even be a blessing in disguise. Such may be
forced by circumstances to more creative and effective efforts in
evangelism. God is able.