What does the Bible say about church buildings?

The New Testament teaches that the church is fundamentally the people of God rather than a physical structure. Scripture passages like 1 Corinthians 3:9 and 1 Peter 2:5 affirm this perspective, illustrating that believers collectively form God's temple. Early Christians held that the essence of church life revolves around the interactions, fellowship, and shared faith among its members, which can occur in various settings, including homes. This challenges the idea that church buildings are essential to worship or community, affirming that genuine church life thrives where believers gather, regardless of location.