And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. – Matthew 16:18 (NASB)
And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. – Ephesians 4:11-13 (NASB)
And let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. – Hebrews 10:24-25 (NASB)
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares, “I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” With these words, Jesus establishes himself as both the foundation and the architect of the Church. The Church is not built by human plans, but on the revelation of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. This assures us that the Church is not merely a building or an institution, but a living, spiritual body designed and sustained by Christ Himself.
While Christ builds His Church he does so through people, leadership, and community. Ephesians 4:11-13 explains how Christ “gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ.” We see the diversity of leadership roles in Paul’s writing, each distinct, yet united in purpose – to equip, build, and grow the church.
This model of leadership is not about control or hierarchy, but about service and spiritual development. Leaders are not called to do all the ministry themselves, but to empower others to take part in God’s mission. True growth happens as the whole body is engaged, taught, and encouraged to use their gifts, growing “to a mature man (or woman), to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.” This maturity, by the way, isn’t just intellectual or moral, but Christ-likeness – reflecting Jesus’ character, purpose, and love.
The Church is more than leadership and growth, though. The Church is fellowship… a shared journey of faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 charges us: “let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together … but encouraging one another…” In a world where isolation is easy and numbness to all that is taking place around us is tempting, this call is vital. The Church is where believers encourage one another, spur one another on, and stand firm together.
Christ builds His Church through the gifts He gives, the leaders He appoints, and the relationships He nurtures within the community. Each part – leadership, growth, and fellowship – is essential. When the Church is rooted in Christ, led by servant-hearted leaders, and committed to mutual encouragement, it becomes a powerful witness to the world and a true expression of God’s Kingdom.
As I am reflecting on the truths of Christ’s Church this week, I see how beautifully New Hope Fellowship reflects those truths. While we continue to grow (nearly busting at the seams many Sunday mornings) we’re witnessing the hand of Christ building His church among us – through faithful leadership, intentional teaching, and so many hearts willing to serve.
We’re seeing leaders rise. We see people stepping forward with their gifts not to just attend church but to be the church. We’re forming real Christ-centered relationships in our Men’s and Women’s Ministries where we encourage one another, carry each other’s burdens, and study God’s Word together.
We’re not perfect, but we are living proof that Christ is at work. He is laying the foundation, shaping the structure, and calling each of us to play a part. What we’re building together is not our own. It belongs to Him and just as He promised, not even the gates of hell can prevail against it.
May we continue to follow His lead, be gracious to one another, answer His call to be the Church, and grow together into the fullness of Christ.