The Biblical Purpose of Church: Community, Fellowship, and Devotion
What is Church, Really?
When we think about church, many of us may picture a building, a service, or even a weekly tradition. But what does the Bible say about church? Church, at its core, is not about the building or even the program. It’s about people—a community of believers committed to a common goal. In the book of Acts, we see an early snapshot of what church looked like in its purest form. Acts 2:42-47 describes a devoted group of people who prioritized God, others, and their shared mission. This passage offers valuable insights into what a thriving, Biblical church community should look like today.
Devotion: The Foundation of a Healthy Church
The defining characteristic of the early church in Acts 2 was their devotion. The word “devoted” speaks of passionate loyalty and commitment. This early community wasn’t casual in their faith; they were fully invested in four key practices: the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. These practices weren’t just habits; they were priorities that defined their lives together. True devotion requires a willingness to set aside distractions and focus on what truly matters. For us, this means intentionally building our lives around these same practices to experience the fullness of what God intended for His church.
Devotion to God’s Word
The early church prioritized the apostles’ teaching, which was their way of receiving God’s Word. They didn’t have the New Testament yet, so they relied on the apostles to teach them about Jesus and His instructions. Today, we have the incredible gift of Scripture, giving us constant access to God’s truth. However, being devoted to God’s Word requires more than just hearing it on Sundays. It involves daily study, reflection, and application. Tools like the YouVersion Bible App or resources like Bible Knowledge Commentary can help deepen our understanding. The more we engage with Scripture, the more it transforms our hearts and minds, equipping us to live out God’s will.
Fellowship: A Partnership in Life
Fellowship, or “koinonia,” goes beyond casual interactions. It describes a deep partnership among believers—a commitment to share life together. The early church wasn’t just a gathering; it was a family. They shared meals, cared for one another’s needs, and supported each other through life’s challenges. Today, fellowship means creating intentional relationships with others who will encourage us in our faith. This could involve sharing meals, helping someone in need, or simply spending time with other believers. It’s not about uniformity—expecting everyone to look or think the same—but unity, coming together with a shared purpose and mission.
Breaking Bread: A Symbol of Unity and Gratitude
The phrase “breaking bread” refers to both sharing meals and observing communion. In the early church, both were central to their life together. Sharing meals fostered intimacy, trust, and community. Communion, on the other hand, reminded them of Christ’s sacrifice and the unity they shared through Him. Whether it’s gathering around the dinner table or partaking in the Lord’s Supper, breaking bread is a powerful way to deepen relationships and keep Christ at the center of our lives. Consider inviting someone to share a meal this week as a simple way to build connection and community.
Devotion to Prayer
The early church understood the importance of prayer. They prayed individually and together, seeking God’s guidance and power for their lives. Prayer wasn’t an afterthought; it was a priority. It acknowledged their dependence on God and invited His presence into every situation. Today, prayer remains essential for a thriving church community. Whether it’s through structured tools like the ACTS model (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) or spontaneous moments of prayer, the goal is to cultivate an ongoing conversation with God. Prayer isn’t just preparation for ministry; it is ministry, opening the door for God to work in powerful ways.
The Rewards of Devotion
Acts 2:43-47 reveals the incredible impact of the early church’s devotion. They experienced awe and wonder as God performed miracles among them. Their unity was so strong that they willingly shared their possessions to meet one another’s needs. They worshiped daily with grateful hearts, drawing favor from both God and those around them. Most importantly, their community grew as people were drawn to their love and faith. These same blessings are available to us when we devote ourselves to God and to one another. A thriving church community isn’t built overnight, but through consistent commitment to the principles we see in Scripture.
Practical Next Steps
If you’re ready to build deeper connections and grow in your faith, consider joining a community group. Community groups provide a space to practice all four of these principles—studying God’s Word, building meaningful relationships, sharing meals, and praying together. These small gatherings foster authentic relationships and create opportunities for spiritual growth. They aren’t just another church program; they’re a way to live out the Biblical model of church.
Further Reading
Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The Church: The Gospel Made Visible by Mark Dever
Other Links
Want to hear more? Check out The Hills Community Church’s YouTube page for past messages on similar topics.
Learn more about community groups and upcoming events at The Hills Community Church by visiting www.thehillscommunity.church.