“Did Jesus Build a Church” - message by Steve Martin

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Photo: some in our home group. February 2026

Did Jesus Build a Church?

“And I also tell you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My community, and the gates of Sheol will not overpower it.” Matthew 16:18, Tree of Life version

When Jesus (Yeshua, a Jew) spoke to Peter (Petra, a Jew) and said, “18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18, NASB) was He giving Peter the go ahead to “build” a literal church?

I know I may be stepping on some toes here, especially in America with our big, million dollar plus church buildings (I guess Rome was the model?), but did Yeshua mean that His church, His community, was to be this way?

We can blame the Roman Catholics if we want. Rome has huge, magnificent buildings. (I was one for 18 years, and I respect those who are yet true to the Gospel within the institution.)

Trust me, I have been in some mighty big churches, in Charlotte, NC, Dallas, TX, and cathedrals in Ireland, England, and more. Is this really what Jesus was talking about?

Having been the administer and financial director for three international ministries for 24 years, shown publicly on my resume, I know the costs of buildings, utilities, and general upkeep. And it is not cheap.

Sure, people and staff need suitable places to meet, operate from, and spread the gospel, the Good News, but I sort of grinch when I look at a “great, big, beautiful” (not bill, President, but) building.

Giving to the poor orphans in Liberia and Pakistan, and helping to fund local ministries in Israel, is one our our joys. I don’t have the funds to house the ministry in a big building. Nor would I if the funds were laid at my feet.

I just have a hard time of it when churches in America raise funds from all over to run their ministries, and giving to those who can’t put a roof over their head is last on the budget line. 

Especially if it has the word “Mission” in front of the income/expense box. Not even 1% is a normal portion of what churches give, as typically known by those familiar with church budgets.

Did Jesus (Yeshua) ever give instructions, to anyone, then or now, to build these massive buildings? Fund these enormous payrolls?

I think not.

And another thing…how many who attend those facilities know the one they sit next to on a Sunday?

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

P.S. I suggest the time is soon approaching when the funds for large places will dry up. Join a home group. You will be better in the long run.