There’s a growing trend among professing Christians who say, “I don’t go to church anymore—not because I’ve stopped believing, but because today’s church model is unbiblical.”

You’ve probably heard something like:

“The early church didn’t have buildings, budgets, or paid elders. Today’s church is just a modern-day temple model.”

Let’s talk about that.

What Does the Bible Say About Gathering?

Let’s go straight to Scripture:

“…not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
— Hebrews 10:25

Notice what it doesn’t say.
It doesn’t say “Don’t neglect the building.”
It says: “Don’t neglect meeting.”

This isn’t about real estate—it’s about obedience. It’s about believers coming together physically, regularly, intentionally to worship God, hear the Word preached, pray, share the Lord’s Supper, and encourage each other. That’s not optional. That’s commanded.

Many say, “We are the church, not the building.” True. But what is the Church doing when it gathers?

The point is not that we need stained glass or steeples. The point is that the local church gathers. Under the leadership of godly elders. Under the Word. In community. The New Testament assumes this kind of structure because the Church isn’t a crowd of loosely connected individuals—it’s a body, with order, discipline, teaching, and fellowship (Acts 2:42, 1 Corinthians 12).

If you’re not part of a local, physical church body, how do you obey the “one another” commands of Scripture?

• Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)
• Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
• Confess your sins to one another (James 5:16)
• Stir one another up to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24)

You can’t obey those in isolation. You can’t fulfill them through podcasts and livestreams. You need people. Present. Messy. Real.

This isn’t about checking a box—it’s about living in obedience to God’s design for His Church.

The Real Issue Isn’t Always Doctrine

Let’s be honest. When someone says, “I can’t find a biblical church,” it often really means:

“I can’t find one that meets my expectations.”

We live in a world of endless choice. You can customise everything from your coffee to your theology. And that mindset creeps into how we approach church.

• “The music isn’t my style.”
• “The pastor didn’t answer my message.”
• “The preaching isn’t dynamic enough.”
• “I’ve been hurt before.”

Some of these concerns are real. Church hurt is real. Bad teaching is real. But even real pain is not a biblical excuse to abandon Christ’s body.

The Church isn’t a spiritual buffet—it’s a place to die to yourself. To serve, to forgive, to bear with others, to submit to shepherds, to grow in holiness.

The Church will disappoint you—because it’s full of people just like you.

And that’s the point. Real love isn’t tested when everything goes smoothly. It’s tested when things go wrong, and you stay, and you forgive, and you press on in faithfulness anyway.

You’ll never find the perfect church. But God isn’t asking you to find perfection—He’s calling you to be faithful.

Church Isn’t Optional

Let’s make it simple:

• If the church teaches sound doctrine…
• If Christ is central…
• If the elders shepherd faithfully…

Then leaving because of a feeling isn’t discernment—it’s rebellion with a theological disguise.

The early church in Acts 2:42 “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” That’s not a spontaneous meetup. That’s structure. That’s commitment. That’s local church.

What About Money?

One of the common objections is financial:

“Churches spend too much money.”
“Pastors shouldn’t be paid.”
“Buildings are a waste.”

But Scripture speaks clearly:

“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For… ‘The laborer deserves his wages.’”
— 1 Timothy 5:17–18

Supporting faithful pastors isn’t worldly—it’s biblical. Elders who labor in the Word are not freeloading. They are working hard for the health of the flock. And God says that labor is worthy of support.

As for buildings—no, we’re not rebuilding the temple. The temple was a place of sacrifice and divine presence. But ever since Christ, God dwells in His people.

That doesn’t mean it’s unbiblical to rent or maintain a gathering place. The early church met in homes, yes—but also synagogues, public spaces, and (rented or borrowed, likely) a hall (Acts 13, 19). The issue was never where—but why and how.

Gathering in a building isn’t rebellion—it’s often practical, efficient, and wise stewardship. It allows for consistency, accessibility, and ministry to take root and grow.

Structure isn’t corruption. God is a God of order. The Bible gives qualifications for elders and deacons, instructions for giving, and methods for discipline and oversight. That’s structure. And that’s good.

You Need the Body—Not Just the Broadcast

“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:27

You can’t be a body part by yourself. You weren’t made for solo Christianity.

You need actual Christians. Not just your favourite YouTube sermon. Not just your favourite podcast. Those are supplements—not substitutes.

You need:

• Actual elders who know your name.
• Actual accountability when you sin.
• Actual believers to pray with you, carry your burdens, and walk with you in this life.

Come Back

If you’ve walked away from the local church because of frustration, preference, pride, or past pain…

It’s time to come back.

Not to a building. Not to a brand.
But to the messy, beautiful, Spirit-filled body that Jesus Himself is building.

Don’t love your ideal version of church more than you love the church Jesus died for.
She isn’t perfect—but she is His.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.