Incarnational Practice 3: Gather in 3rd Places and Homes

Being incarnational means that the Gospel should come to people where they are at.  When we build special buildings just for fellowship, and then center ministry and community in that place, we are asking people to come to us.  Sure, you can do incarnational ministry out of a church building.  But I think the edifice complex that afflicts many churches counters their missional calling.  The energy and resources tied up into buildings should be used elsewhere.  And the amount of time spent in church buildings should be spent elsewhere.  Church should be done where life is lived–not the other way around.  The early church gathered in homes and the apostles preached in the markets because that was the centers of society.  What are our centers of life?  Do church in those places, rather than making your own place.

If you are involved with a church that meets in a church building, I’m not suggesting that you leave.  Many churches use their buildings well.  But most don’t.  And if we are going to be faithful in the future, we need to rethink how we gather. 

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