Not Just Brick and Mortar—But Body, Breath, and Belonging

When Jesus said, “I will build my Church,” He wasn’t talking about a building, a denomination, or a well-organized weekend service. He was talking about a people—called together, held together, and sent together.

And He’s still building it.

So what kind of church does Jesus build?

It’s not flashy. It’s not perfect. But it’s full of life. A body, not a brand. A family, not a factory. A growing, breathing, Spirit-filled community, anchored in Him and shaped by His presence.

One: A Church United by One Hope

Unity isn’t something we create—it’s something we keep. Paul says in Ephesians 4 that we are “called to one glorious hope,” bound together not by shared preferences but by a shared Spirit.

The Church is one because Jesus is one. One Lord. One faith. One baptism. One God and Father of all. We may look different, sound different, and come from different corners of the world—but at the center is the same Jesus, and the same invitation: Come follow Me. It’s not about us—it’s about Him through us.

And unity doesn’t mean uniformity. In fact, Paul says Jesus gives each one a gift—a special contribution to the whole. The Church Jesus builds is held together by grace and grows stronger when everyone brings their part.

So the question is: what are you carrying that someone else might need?

Holy: A Church Set Apart to Love

Holiness can sound heavy, but at its heart, it simply means set apart. The Church is holy not because its members are flawless, but because Jesus is present—and He’s making us new.

This kind of holiness is active. It shows up in how we treat each other. Paul puts it plainly: “Be humble. Be gentle. Be patient. Make allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”

That kind of love doesn’t just happen. It takes intention. It takes looking out for the weak and tired, cheering each other on, refusing to let bitterness take root. It’s less about being impressive, and more about being available—to God, and to one another.

What might it look like to live a holy life that helps others feel seen, not judged?

Catholic: A Church for All People, All Places

The word “catholic” here doesn’t mean Roman Catholic—it means universal. The Church Jesus builds is bigger than one culture, language, generation, or location. It’s for the world. For every heart that says yes to Him.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul uses the image of a body with many parts—each one different, each one needed. No one is left out. No one is unimportant. Even the parts that seem weakest are actually vital.

This is the kind of Church that celebrates difference, welcomes diversity, and knows that when one part suffers, we all do. And when one part thrives, we all rejoice.

What would change if we really believed we belong to one another?

Apostolic: A Church that Knows Who Sent It

The word “apostolic” means “sent.” It reminds us that the Church isn’t meant to stay still. It’s built on a message, carried by messengers, always moving forward with the story of Jesus.

The Church is grounded in the witness of the apostles—those who walked with Jesus and saw the empty tomb. But it doesn’t stop there. Jesus gave gifts to keep the Church growing: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Their job? Not to do all the work—but to equip others to build up the body.

This kind of leadership points people to Jesus, teaches truth, and speaks love with courage. It helps the Church grow healthy and full of love. And that kind of growth isn’t about information—it’s about formation. If we’re not learning to live like Jesus, we’re not really growing at all.

So what’s your part in that?

The Church Starts Here

When Jesus first mentioned the word church, it wasn’t in a boardroom—it was in a conversation.

“Who do you say I am?”

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.”

That confession became a foundation. A rock. The place where everything else would be built.

The Church Jesus builds starts with that same question: Who do you say I am?

And it grows when we live like the answer matters.

The world doesn’t need a Church that’s trying to be impressive. It needs one that’s alive. Rooted. Loving. Equipped. Sent.

This is the Church Jesus builds.

And you’re part of it. What might it look like to carry His light into the places you go this week?