Getting the basics right is essential in life. Unless we keep nailing those basics, everything else becomes a waste of time. Take a woodworker, for example. He might want to master the mortise and tenon joint, but if he doesn’t know how – or has forgotten how – to cut or chisel wood properly, no matter how hard he tries, the result will be a mess.

The same is true for the Church. We might hear of new evangelism techniques, cultural engagement strategies, or the latest ministry styles. Yet if we can’t get the basics right, we might as well shut up shop and go home. The flip side is this: if we do get the basics right and keep them as our foundation, we can build without shame – even if we lack the latest trends and techniques.

That raises the question: what are the basics the Church must get right? Thankfully, the King of the Church, Jesus Christ, has told us. In Acts 2:42, we find what many have called the marks of the Church – four simple things the Church must be devoted to: The apostles’ teaching, the fellowship, the breaking of bread, and the prayers. If the Church will give itself to these four things, it can be confident that its labour is not in vain.

But does the Church today hold these as its foundational basics – or has she become distracted by bells and whistles? In much of the Western Church, we see impressive programs, buildings, systems, and lights. Yet the Word is absent, genuine fellowship is thin, the Supper is neglected, and prayer is nearly forgotten. Is that a sign of health – or the height of folly?

It’s high time the Church looked honestly at herself and weighed her life against Scripture. The Reformers’ cry, “Ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda” – “the Church reformed, always reforming” – means being willing to take a long, hard look at ourselves and ask whether we are truly devoted to what Christ has given His Church to do. So how are we doing? I’d love to hear your thoughts below.

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