The church is a beacon of hope, a community where faith is nurtured, and a sanctuary where souls seek solace. However, in the stewardship of this divine institution, there lies a subtle yet profound misconception — the notion that our contributions of time, talent, and treasure render us proprietors of this sacred assembly. This article seeks to realign our understanding, reminding us that the church, in its essence and operation, belongs unequivocally to Christ. Through scripture, theology, and a call to spiritual reflection, we embark on a journey to fully embrace Christ’s ownership of the church, recognizing ourselves as stewards rather than owners.
The Foundation of Ownership
Biblical Perspective
At the core of the Christian faith is a truth that stands as both a declaration and a directive: the church belongs to Christ. Scripture is replete with affirmations of this divine ownership. In Ephesians 2:20, the apostle Paul vividly describes the church as being “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” This architectural metaphor not only emphasizes Christ’s central role in the church’s foundation but also in its ongoing structure and growth.
Moreover, Colossians 1:18 declares, “And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” Here, Paul explains Christ’s preeminent position as the head, guiding and governing the church, underscoring the notion that all authority and ownership reside in Him. This scriptural foundation is further set by Jesus’ own proclamation in Matthew 16:18, where He asserts, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” In this pivotal moment, Jesus not only claims ownership but also promises divine protection and perpetual growth.
Theological Reflection
Understanding Christ as the ultimate owner of the church has profound theological implications that extend far beyond mere acknowledgment. It challenges us to reconsider our relationship with the church — shifting from proprietors to stewards. This theological shift reorients our identity, mission, and community life around Jesus, the rightful owner and shepherd of the church.
Recognizing Christ’s ownership calls us to a deeper reflection on the nature of the church itself. The church is not a human institution governed by the wills and whims of its members but a divine organism, animated by the Spirit and directed by Christ. It is a living testament to God’s grace, a community called to embody Christ’s love, and a mission tasked with proclaiming the gospel to all corners of the earth.
This acknowledgment affects every aspect of church life. Our gatherings, teachings, and ministries are to be conducted in submission to Christ’s authority. Our contributions, whether financial or in service, are not transactions that buy influence or ownership but acts of worship and obedience to the One who gave everything for us. The theological foundation of Christ’s ownership thus transforms our perspective, inviting us to participate in the church not as owners but as faithful stewards of Christ’s enduring legacy.
Misconceptions of Ownership
In the journey of faith, believers are often inspired to invest deeply in their local church communities. This investment, whether of time, talents, or treasures, is a testament to the commitment and love they hold for the church’s mission and well-being. However, this commendable dedication can sometimes give rise to misconceptions about ownership, leading to challenges within the church body.
The Illusion of Equity
One common misconception is the belief in a sort of spiritual equity — that substantial contributions, whether financial donations or hours of volunteer work, equate to a form of ownership or control over the church’s direction. This mindset, though rarely expressed overtly, can manifest in various ways, from influencing decision-making processes to expecting preferential treatment or consideration.
Entitlement and Division
Another significant issue stemming from the misconception of ownership is the sense of entitlement it can produce. This sense of entitlement may lead to conflicts over church practices, doctrines, or even leadership decisions, as individuals or groups within the church begin to view their contributions as leverage. Such a perspective not only disrupts the unity of the church but also diverts focus from the collective mission to personal preferences and agendas.
Consumer Mentality
The consumer mentality is a byproduct of the modern era, infiltrating even sacred spaces. When members view the church through a transactional lens — where giving of resources is seen as a transaction that should yield personal satisfaction or return — the church’s role as a community called to sacrificial love and service is overshadowed. This mentality reduces the church to a service provider and congregants to consumers, eroding the foundational principles of community and mutual edification.
Correcting the Course
Addressing these misconceptions requires a collective effort to realign our understanding of the church with biblical teachings. The church, according to Scripture, is not a corporation run by shareholders but a body with Christ at the head. Each member’s contribution is vital, not as a claim to ownership but as a part of their stewardship and service in God’s kingdom.
We need to confront and correct these misconceptions. By doing so, we pave the way for a healthier, more unified church that truly reflects Christ’s lordship and love.
The Shift to Stewardship
Embracing Christ’s ownership of the church invites us to transition from perceived ownership to genuine stewardship. This stewardship is not just about managing resources but about nurturing a heart of service, guided by humility and a desire to honor God. The Bible offers profound insights into this shift, encouraging us to view our roles within the church through the lens of stewardship entrusted to us by God.
Embracing Humility
The foundation of stewardship is humility, a virtue extolled throughout Scripture. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul urges, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This passage reminds us that our service in the church is not for personal gain or recognition but for the edification of the body of Christ and the glory of God.
The Joy of Service
Serving with joy is a testament to our understanding and appreciation of God’s grace. Peter writes, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). Our service in the church, whether seen or unseen, is an act of worship and a response to the infinite grace we have received through Christ.
Building on the Foundation
Adopting a stewardship mindset involves practical steps grounded in Scripture:
- Prayer and Reflection: Jesus taught His disciples to pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s purposes, guiding us in our service to the church.
- Scripture Study: Studying the Bible deepens our understanding of God’s vision for the church and our role within it. Paul’s letters to the early churches, such as his instructions to the Ephesians on unity and diversity within the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16), are particularly instructive.
- Community Involvement: Engaging in the life of the church is a practical expression of stewardship. As Paul notes in Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
- Openness to the Holy Spirit: Being open to the Holy Spirit’s leading enables us to serve in ways that exceed our human understanding or ability. In Acts 1:8, Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will empower His followers to be His witnesses, guiding them in their mission.
Stewardship as a Way of Life
Stewardship is a lifestyle that reflects our commitment to Christ’s lordship over our lives and His church. By adopting this approach, we recognize that everything we have is a gift from God, entrusted to us for His purposes. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 4:2, “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” Embracing stewardship is our response to this divine trust, a way to honor God with our resources, talents, and time, acknowledging that we are but caretakers of His church on earth.
The Fruits of Recognition
The recognition of Christ’s sole ownership of the church, accompanied by a heartfelt embrace of our roles as stewards, yields profound and transformative fruits for individuals and the church community alike. This shift in perspective, deeply rooted in Scripture, not only aligns our actions with God’s will but also fosters an environment where the Holy Spirit can work powerfully among us.
Unity in Diversity
One of the most significant fruits of recognizing Christ’s ownership is the unity it promotes within the church. As Paul writes in Ephesians 4:3, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Understanding that the church belongs to Christ helps us to see beyond our differences, knowing that we are all parts of one body, with Christ as the head. This realization encourages us to work together in harmony, valuing each member’s contribution to the church’s mission.
Growth in Faith
As stewards of God’s church, our action in service, grounded in humility and love, becomes a fertile ground for spiritual growth. Jesus’ parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates the expectation of the Master that His servants invest their gifts wisely. Applying our talents in service to the church not only benefits the body but also deepens our faith and understanding of God’s grace and purposes.
Increased Generosity
Acknowledging that everything we have is from God and for His glory leads to increased generosity. The early church exemplified this spirit of generosity, as described in Acts 2:44-45, where believers shared everything they had with each other. Acknowledging Christ’s ownership moves us to give freely, not out of obligation or for personal gain, but out of love for God and His people.
Renewed Mission Focus
With Christ as the acknowledged head of the church, our collective mission gains clarity and purpose. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) becomes not just a command but our shared mission, driven by the understanding that we are instruments in God’s hands, called to make disciples of all nations. This shift from ownership to stewardship realigns our priorities and resources toward the fulfillment of this mission.
Testimonies of Transformation
The fruit of recognizing Christ’s ownership is most vividly seen in the transformed lives of believers and the impact on their communities. Stories of reconciliation, service, and evangelism abound, serving as a testament to the power of the gospel when the church truly functions as the body of Christ, united under His lordship.
Conclusion
As we have journeyed through the profound truth of Christ’s ownership of the church and our privileged role as stewards within His divine plan, a landscape of transformation and purpose unfolds before us. The recognition of this sacred ownership is not a mere theological stance but a living, breathing reality that shapes our identity, our community, and our mission. It calls us to humility, ignites a passion for service, fosters unity, and propels us toward a shared vision under the lordship of Christ.
In the light of Scripture, the early church’s example, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, we are invited to embrace a paradigm shift—from owners to stewards, from consumers to contributors, from spectators to participants in God’s redemptive plan. This shift is not only foundational for our personal spiritual growth but also critical for the health and vibrancy of the church universal.
As we move forward, let us hold fast to the truth that the church belongs to Christ. It is His bride, bought with a price beyond measure. Our contributions, whether in time, talents, or treasures, are not transactions but offerings of love and worship to the One who first loved us. In this recognition lies the key to unlocking the full potential of the church, manifesting the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.
May we, therefore, commit anew to our roles as faithful stewards, serving with joy, giving generously, and living out our faith with purpose. Let us encourage one another, build each other up, and continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For in Him, and through Him, the church will achieve its greatest impact, displaying the manifold wisdom of God to the world.
In closing, let the words of 1 Peter 4:10-11 echo in our hearts: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”
Together, as we embrace this truth and live out our calling, may our lives and our churches reflect the beauty, the sovereignty, and the love of Christ, our Lord, and true Owner.