Article 19

“The visible church of Christ is a congregation of believers in which the pure Word of God is preached and in which the sacraments are rightly administered according to Christ’s command in all those matters that are necessary for proper administration.

“As the churches of Jerusalem, Alexandria, and Antioch have erred, so also the church of Rome has erred, not only in their practice and forms of worship but also in matters of faith.”

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I once ministered in a church building which was a beautiful ancient structure, more than seven hundred years old. The community, like so many others in England, was privileged to have such a historic and gracious building at its heart. The congregation, many people who live in the community and numerous visitors find it a tranquil and peaceful place for quiet contemplation and private prayer, a haven of calm in busy lives.

Yet it is only a building! As glorious as the architecture might be, its purpose is simply to be a warm and dry place where Christians can meet every week. This is not to minimize the experience of God’s presence that many find in a church building, but we must not confuse a church building with the church itself.

When we read in the book of Acts about the early Church of the first century, the first followers of Jesus Christ, we soon learn that “churches” were springing up in towns and cities wherever the good news about Jesus’ death and resurrection was preached. Initially, these churches met in people’s homes as Christians gathered together to encourage one another and learn more about their new faith.

The New Testament gives us a good idea of what “the church” really is: “the people of God”, “the family of God”, “the body of Christ”, “the bride of Christ”. This is something much more wonderful than stone, wood and glass!

The 39 Articles put it very simply: “The visible church of Christ is a congregation of believers in which the pure Word of God is preached and in which the sacraments [Baptism and Communion] are rightly administered.”

Perhaps one day you will visit that beautiful church building, and then I hope that you will meet the church that gathers there every Sunday morning to hear the Bible taught and enjoy fellowship around the Lord’s table.