Do We Really Need More Churches?

BY KEN BOONE

"So then you are no longer foreigners and non-citizens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, because you have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone." Ephesians 2:19-20

The Church in Ephesus stands out among all other New Testament Churches. Think about this: The letter to the Ephesians is the only letter of the New Testament which contains no correction from the Apostle Paul. It was in Ephesus that the culture for miracles was so prevalent that Paul raised the dead there, and performed “unusual miracles”. In the book of Ephesians the phrase “In Christ” is used by Paul no less than 35 times, more than any other N.T. book and Ephesians gives the most in-depth look at the nature of the “Body of Christ”.

I would argue that the church in Ephesus was at a level beyond any other N.T. Church and the primary reason for their elevated status can be found in the verses above. Their foundation was built on the Apostles and Prophets with Jesus as its cornerstone. Apostles create culture, prophets speak life into the culture, and Jesus is the culture. This church had a foundation that created a culture whereby Heaven was being established in them, through them, and around them.

We know how important foundations are. In the natural world foundations are never seen, although they are the most important part of the structure. In the Kingdom of God, foundations are celebrated, decorated, and seen (Rev 21). Jesus taught in Luke 6 that every house needs a foundation, and every foundation must be built upon Him. Jesus also shows us in this passage that it is possible to construct a house that exists without foundation. Though it may be erected and even thrive for a time, eventually it will be destroyed.

I’d like to propose that what we need is not more “churches”, but rather groups of people who know how to establish Kingdom foundations that support the structure of Heaven and therefore establish a culture that transforms the world around them! A culture where the presence of God, and our pursuit of His presence is the highest value. A culture where we not only pursue God but also pursue people, and extend to them the highest level of honor regardless of their social standing, or background. Recognizing that they were created like God, and within them is greatness, purpose, and destiny. To create a culture that holds spiritual fathers and mothers (leaders) in the highest regard, and that rallies around them, supports them, and receives from them. A culture where Believers are encouraged, equipped, and propelled into ministry. Where every person plays a part and knows that their position is valued, and needed. 

This culture can be found inside the walls of a "church", but my challenge is that a "church" should not be devoid of this Kingdom foundation. I am not looking to bash the church or definitely not saying we shouldn't have churches or plant more. I believe in the Church and church planting, I am a church planter myself. Let's plant more churches. But as we do so, let us also be a people who are grounded in a solid foundation. I propose that we create a culture where Holy Spirit empowered ministry is cultivated and practiced. Where the supernatural is experienced, and expected. And where miracles are commonplace, and celebrated. A culture that makes disciples who disciple nations until the Kingdoms of this world become the Kingdom of our God. The foundation that we lay is the culture that we will create.

Our Foundation:
1. The highest value for the presence of God.
2. The highest value for people.
3. The highest value for spiritual leaders.
4. the highest value for equipping believers.
5. The highest value for Spirit empowered ministry.
6. The highest value for missions.
7. The highest value for a Kingdom Culture.

What does your foundation look like?

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Ken Boone currently serves as a co-host on The Alliance Podcast at boldcupofcoffee.com and founding pastor at Alabaster House as well as a public speaker, travelling equipper and writer.

Ken and his wife Christa are the proud parents of four children. They have been married for more than 15 years. And have been in the ministry for more than 17 years, They have dedicated their lives to preaching the "Gospel of the Kingdom", and to living a life in partnership with Holy Spirit. Their desire is to see believers equipped to live a lifestyle that brings the realities of Heaven to the world that we live in, to see the culture of the Kingdom of God replace the cultures around us. And to fulfill the mandate from Jesus to: "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, freely you have received freely give."

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