A Church for Our City: What Makes a Church a Church?

The Downtown Vineyard Church • January 7, 2025 • 7 minutes

When you think of the word “church,” what comes to mind? A building? A Sunday service? Or maybe, like me, you think of a group of people who are committed to living out the mission of God together.

But have you ever stopped to ask yourself: What makes a church a church? What is the church supposed to be and do? And, how does that translate to our everyday lives as a community?

Today, we’re diving into these questions as we explore what it means to be a church that is not just a gathering of people, but a community that’s deeply connected to Jesus and engaged in the mission He’s called us to.

 

The Heart of a Church

The word “church” comes from the Greek word ecclesia (ἐκκλησία), which means “to gather” or “assemble.” It’s the idea of being called out and set apart for a higher purpose. It’s not about the building or the programs; it’s about a group of people who have been called by God to be a distinct people, living out His mission in the world.

Matthew 16:18 says, “Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”

The church is the will of God. It’s God’s plan to bring hope, healing, and transformation to a community—and ultimately to the world.

 

Church in Grand Junction

Here’s something that blows my mind—when we moved to Grand Junction to plant the Downtown Vineyard Church, we learned something powerful about this city’s history. Did you know that the very first churches in Grand Junction were planted in the 1860s, just a couple of years after the city was founded? And what’s even more incredible is that all five of those first churches were built on White Avenue. This street, dedicated to the building of churches, is now a powerful symbol of God’s ongoing work in this community.

Churches are hard to kill—Jesus said, “the gates of hell will not overcome them.” That promise has proven true time and time again, even as many churches move, change, or face challenges. The church is built on the foundation of Jesus, and He will continue to build His church until He returns.

What Is a Church Supposed to Do?

Let’s get practical for a moment: What exactly is a church supposed to do?

As we dive deeper into the Bible, particularly John 15, we find three key things that every church should focus on:

1. Stay Connected to Jesus
The first thing a church must do is remain in Jesus. John 15:4-5 says, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

Jesus is clear: apart from Him, we can do nothing of eternal significance. Sure, we can stay busy. We can write songs, fundraise for good causes, or create amazing programs—but none of that lasts if we’re not connected to the True Vine.

Application: To remain connected to Jesus, we need to make space for prayer, Bible reading, and worship in our everyday lives. Let’s be intentional about cultivating a relationship with Jesus—not just doing things for Him, but being with Him.

2. Bear Fruit That Will Last
The second task of the church is to bear fruit. John 15:16 says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”

What kind of fruit are we talking about? Not just “good works,” but transformed lives. It’s the fruit of the Holy Spirit, the kind of love, joy, peace, and kindness that shines through even in tough circumstances. When we stay connected to Jesus, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live lives that reflect His character and bear eternal fruit.

Galatians 5:22-23 paints a beautiful picture of this fruit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

Application: The more we remain in Jesus, the more our lives are shaped by His Spirit, and the more we bear fruit that lasts—not just in this life but into eternity.

3. Love One Another
Lastly, the church is called to love one another. In 1 Peter 4:8, we read, “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.”

Jesus made it clear that our love for one another is the distinguishing mark of His disciples. The church isn’t just a place where we come to receive; it’s a place where we love and serve each other. It’s not about being perfect or having it all together—it’s about showing up for each other, especially when we’re at our worst.

Application: Take time this year to deepen your love for the people in your church. Whether that’s through acts of service, forgiveness, or simply listening to someone, love is the key that binds us together.

A Church for Our City

So, what does it mean for us to be a church for our city? It means we need to stay connected to Jesus, bear fruit that will last, and love one another deeply. But it also means that our mission extends beyond our church walls. We are called to serve and reach out to our community with the love of Jesus, bringing His hope and transformation wherever we go.

As we look ahead to the future, I’m excited about what God will do in our city. He’s calling us to be a church that makes an eternal impact—a church that doesn’t just strive to do good things, but a church that is fully rooted in Him, bearing fruit that will last forever.

Key Questions for You to Reflect On:

• How can you stay more connected to Jesus in your daily life?
• What are some ways you can bear fruit that will last?
• How can you love those around you better in your church and community?
• What steps can you take this year to fall deeper in love with Jesus and His mission for your life?

Let’s Stay Connected, Bear Fruit, and Love One Another

As we move forward into the coming months, let’s remember the three key things that define a healthy church: staying connected to Jesus, bearing fruit that lasts, and loving one another. These are not just nice ideas—they are the mission of the church, and they are the foundation of a church that is truly for our city.

Let’s make 2025 a year where we prioritize Jesus, bear much fruit, and love our community well. The world needs a church that knows how to stay connected to Jesus, a church that bears lasting fruit, and a church that loves deeply.

Join Us on the Journey

We’re praying for God to give us a heart for our city and for each other. Will you join us in this mission? Let’s walk together, stay connected to Jesus, and see what God can do in and through us as a church for our city.

Want to go deeper?

Watch the full message on YouTube or listen to the podcast for more insights and reflections that will help you grow in your faith.”