What Makes a Great Church? Jesus’ Simple Blueprint for Spiritual Community

What does it mean to be a truly great church? For many of us, “church” calls to mind steeples, pews, or Sunday gatherings. But Jesus painted a much deeper, simpler picture. He envisioned a spiritual family built on three powerful foundations: confession, love, and purpose. Let’s explore how you, your group, or your ministry can step into this great church life, right where you are.

The Foundation: The Great Confession

Every strong church starts with a simple but life-changing confession: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:15–18). This truth isn’t just for theological textbooks; it’s a personal anchor. In the gospels, Jesus asked Peter, “Who do you say I am?” When Peter declared Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus replied, “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overcome it.”

It’s not our buildings, music, or programs that hold us together. It’s our shared faith in Jesus—fully God, fully man, Savior and Lord. This “Great Confession” is the cornerstone for spiritual community, no matter how big or small.

The Heartbeat: The Great Commandment

But confession alone isn’t enough. Jesus quickly added another layer: love. He taught, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart… and love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30–31).

Church is not just a meeting—it’s a living, breathing family. Love fuels everything we do. When a group commits to loving God and loving each other, they reflect the heart of Christ. Love shapes the way we worship, serve, and even disagree. It’s the family trait that sets the church apart.

The Mission: The Great Commission

Jesus didn’t leave us without direction. He commissioned every believer: “Go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:18–20). The Great Commission isn’t reserved for pastors or missionaries—it’s for anyone who follows Jesus.

A great church is never content to keep the faith to itself. Instead, it multiplies by sharing the good news, inviting others into God’s family, and helping them grow. Every member can play a part in God’s mission.

The Three-Legged Stool: Why Each “Great” Matters

Imagine a sturdy stool with three legs. Remove one, and the whole thing collapses. In the same way, a church needs all three “Greats”—Confession, Commandment, and Commission—to stand strong. If we lose sight of Jesus as Savior, our faith becomes shaky. If we neglect love, our community grows cold. If we ignore our mission, we lose our purpose.

What Does It Cost to Start a Church?

Many believers think starting a new church requires big budgets, buildings, or special programs. But Jesus’ blueprint is simple and accessible. When a group of believers commits to these three foundations, they can become a church—no matter their size, location, or resources. The early church grew not through wealth, but by following Jesus’ commands in everyday life.

Ask yourself: How much does it cost to repent? To believe? To love? The answer is “nothing”—except a willing heart. In fact, research shows that churches relying less on money and more on obedience to Jesus often flourish.

Nine Simple Commands: The DNA of a Church

The early church didn’t guess what to do next—they followed nine basic commands Jesus gave:

1. Repent – Turn from sin to God.
   
   

2. Believe – Trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord.
   
   

3. Baptize – Follow Christ in baptism and invite others to do the same.
   
   

4. Make Disciples – Help others learn and obey Jesus’ teachings.
   
   

5. Love – Care for one another as Christ loves us.
   
   

6. Remember – Celebrate the Lord’s Supper together.
   
   

7. Pray – Seek God together in prayer.
   
   

8. Give – Share resources with generosity.
   
   

9. Worship – Gather regularly to praise and grow.
   
   

When a group lives out these commands, they’re not just a Bible study—they’re a church!

Jesus Loves “Baby Churches”

It’s easy to feel small or inadequate when your group is just starting. But remember, every church—no matter the size—is precious to Jesus. He delights in “baby churches” just as much as large congregations. Just as a loving parent celebrates every milestone of a child, Jesus rejoices over each step of faith your group takes.

A Spiritual Family for Today

You don’t need special qualifications or a perfect building to be part of a great church. You need faith in Jesus, a commitment to love, and a heart for his mission. As you practice the nine commands together, you’ll find your spiritual family growing in strength, joy, and impact.

Let’s encourage one another and help new groups take root—right in homes, workplaces, or communities where God plants us.

Are you ready to be part of a great church? Start with Jesus’ blueprint. You’ll be amazed at how simple, joyful, and transformational church can be.

Get your copy of Starting Radical Churches on Amazon for just $2.99: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TZBIKIE