Better Together: Why the Church Is God’s Idea

summitsocal
Sep 10
4 min read

Life really is better together. Not as spiritual hermits, but as a people formed by Jesus, built up in love, and sent to bless the world.

1) Jesus started the Church (and still builds it)

In Matthew 16, Jesus says, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not conquer it.” The Church wasn’t a human invention or a later add-on—it’s Jesus’ plan to gather a people who know Him, grow together, and carry His good news into the world.

2) One family: Jews and Gentiles together in Christ

Ephesians 2 declares that those who trust Jesus—whatever their background—are “no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of His household.” From the beginning in Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, Jesus’ vision was one multi-ethnic, multi-background family united in Him.

3) The Church is people, not a building

We often point to an address when someone asks, “Where’s your church?” But biblically, church = people (the ekklesia, an assembly). Buildings are helpful, but God dwells in His people—both in each believer and in us together.

4) How Scripture pictures the Church

Paul layers rich images to help us “see” who we are:

Household/Family: We belong to God and to one another.
A House under Construction: Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Himself as the cornerstone (Eph. 2:20).
A Holy Temple: Joined together and rising as a dwelling where God lives by His Spirit (Eph. 2:21–22).
A Body: Joined and held together by every supporting ligament… growing and building itself up in love as each part does its work (Eph. 4:15–16).

Different metaphors, one message: the Church flourishes when every person participates.

5) Devoted to the Apostles’ teaching

The earliest Christians devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching—what we now have in the New Testament. God’s Word remains our rule for faith and practice, shaping how we worship, serve, and live together.

6) The joy of gathering

The psalmist sings, “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere” (Psalm 84:10). Worship is more than music; it’s our shared life before God—prayer rising like incense (Revelation 5:8), praise, and mutual encouragement.

7) What “better together” looks like

When a church is healthy, two kinds of growth happen:

Numerical growth (“we will grow”) as people meet Jesus.
Maturity growth (“builds itself up in love”) as believers become more like Christ.

Practically, that looks like:

Broken people finding healing (no condemnation, real care).
Lonely people finding lasting friends.
Families growing and flourishing.
Compassion confronting injustice with tangible mercy.
The oppressed finding help, freedom, and rest in Jesus.

It also looks like stories of everyday faithfulness. Think of “Jared,” an Irish brother who found a local church online, jumped onto the setup/teardown team, served on sound, got baptized, and became a quiet engine of love. Churches run on Jesus—and on people willing to serve.

8) How we grow: speak truth in love

Ephesians 4 calls us to “speak the truth in love” so we grow into Christlike maturity. Jesus was full of grace and truth—and we’re called to embody both. Truth without love can wound; love without truth can drift. Together, they restore.

9) An invitation to belong and build

If Summit is your church home—or you’re considering making it home—this is your invitation:

Belong: Plant roots. Be known.
Build: Use your gifts. Find a team. Help the body thrive.
Become: Commit to learning, serving, praying, and loving—together.

10) A personal next step with Jesus

Everything begins with Jesus. If you’re ready to start fresh with Him, you can pray something like this:

Lord Jesus, I come to You longing for a right relationship with God. I believe You are the Son of God, that You died for my sins and rose again. Forgive me, cleanse me, and lead me. I choose to follow You. Thank You for new life and for a church family to grow with. Amen.

If you prayed that today, we’d love to celebrate with you and help with next steps like baptism and community.

Closing Blessing

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

Go in the joy of the Lord—together.

Discussion Starters for Life Groups & Families

Which of the Church metaphors (household, house under construction, temple, body) helps you most—and why?
Where have you experienced “truth in love” in a way that helped you grow?
What simple step could you take this week to strengthen our church family (serve, encourage, invite, pray)?
Who around you might need the Church to be a place of healing and friendship—and how could you move toward them?

Want to Connect?

Say “hi” on Sunday, fill out a Connection Card, or visit the Next Steps page for baptism, groups, and serving opportunities.