Small towns, especially small towns in New England, are monuments to the slow and steady, the monotonous and mundane. This can be frustrating for many. Yet, for those with eyes to see, there is rich beauty to be appreciated and enjoyed. Pastors must enter these places with patience and respect. Fast and flashy will often fall flat. We can learn a lot from the apostle Paul, and his analogy of the church as a slow building process (1 Corinthians 3:9-17).

The Blueprint

Paul says that he laid a foundation, and another builds on it: “But each one is to be careful how he builds on it.” Paul looks at the Corinthians, and says, “You’re building something here, whether you mean to or not, and you need to be careful!”

Two images, a garden-field and a building (v.9), are shouting two things loudly to us in terms of expectations. There are seasons for sowing and reaping, and God determines when the reaping happens. But we’re also building something that goes beyond us. In ancient times, it would take decades and even centuries to complete certain buildings. The pastor must have a vision for the church that goes beyond himself. Shortsightedness is often an enemy to gospel faithfulness. We must be careful how we build.

When we first started out as a church plant, the blueprint was given. We taught it in membership classes and it was referenced in sermons. Everyone nodded along. But when we actually started abiding by the blueprint, some got upset.

There’s a great temptation to deviate from the plan, especially when it looks like it’ll be hard and slow. Yet to do so is the equivalent to hammering a bunch of stuff together and hoping the finished house will be inhabitable. It might be for a little while, but eventually it’ll collapse.

To build something that will stand the test of time, you can’t just wing it. God’s Word is sufficient to build his Church. Breathe a sigh of relief, pastor. You don’t have to give in to the latest gimmicks from the latest guru and you don’t have to be at the mercy of people’s opinions. You just need to build with the right materials: prayer, daily repentance, preaching the Bible, loving the saints, serving like Christ, pressing into hard conversations, etc. Know the blueprint; build accordingly.

The Inspection

Pastor, you’re building something much more serious than a Sunday morning crowd. You’re building a church. The stakes are high. “…each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work.” (1 Corinthians 3:13)

We are prone to listen to what others say about the quality of our work. We’re prone to assess by what our eyes can see. The Judgment Day is the real inspection we should be concerned about. Build the church with this building inspection in mind—the inspection of the all-knowing Christ. A church that doesn’t keep the end in mind will be blown all over the place by the winds of culture and the demands of people, and won’t be ready when that day comes. We serve one Master, and he’s the One who will inspect our building.

This should encourage us: “If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward.” (1 Corinthians 3:14)

This should also frighten us: “If anyone’s work is burned up, he will experience loss, but he himself will be saved—but only as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:15)

The Occupants

“Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and that is what you are.” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

Pastor, don’t forget how seriously God takes your church. As Paul wrote this, the glorious second temple in Jerusalem—where God’s presence was believed to dwell—was still standing. And yet, Paul speaks to a messy church in Corinth, and says, “You are God’s temple. The Spirit of God lives in you!”

Pastor, your small-town church is a sacred sanctuary where God’s Spirit dwells! Remind your church of this every week. The result will be a deeper honor toward Christ and a deeper honor toward one another. Your church has been set apart by God to be a holy people who displays the beauty of God. That is God’s vision for your church. Let it be yours as well.

Know your blueprint. Be ready for the inspection. Honor the occupants. It will take some time–even a lifetime. If you’re being careful how you build, that’s okay.

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