What defines a Church?

In some of my historical posts, I wrote that I left church for 11 years.

After some reading, and deep soul searching, I believe I didn't really leave church. Rather, that I walked out of a building and away from false believers, lost sheep and even friends.

I left traditional churches which the Church was considered a house of God, and members were allowed to visit on Sundays. This idea repelled me from traditional church life.

I have long felt close the the Gospel of St. Thomas verse 77:
GStT 77 "The Kingdom of God is inside you and all around you, Not in a mansion of wood and stone. Split a piece of wood and God is there, Lift a stone and you will find God."

I know this is Gnostic text and excluded from Canon, but I have always felt that many churches mystify Christ and actually cloud the relationship people can have with Him. They romanticize the Church (building) with the stained glass and ornate cross or crucifix. The man behind the podium that interprets God for the audience.


I was introduced to a new 'church' a few weeks ago that seems to hit this nail on the head.
The building, which they had built is not designed like a typical church. No romantic stained glass or high spires. Functional space for worship, fellowship and nothing to distract from the true body of Christ. There is no ornate cross in the 'sanctuary', just a stage and seating for us to listen from. They record and broadcast the sermons at newhopechurch.tv .

I don't really feel as if coming to church, but rather coming to school, or a community event such as a town hall to hear someone talk about an issue affecting our community.
I've seen a T-shirt on someone there that read "The Church has left the building", and I can't think of a better way to say it in six words.

We are the body of Christ, we are the Church of Christ. The believers, the followers, the saved. A church building should help the body of Christ grow, but it is not THE Church.