In recent months I have visited three significant places in my personal Christian history.

Last year, on a trip to Victoria, I visited Shiloh Ranch (now called Grantham Lodge), the campsite where as a nine-year-old I first prayed to become a Christian, whilst attending a holiday camp.

Almost 30 years later, the buildings and the grounds brought home strong memories of Christian fellowship and the joy of knowing Jesus for the first time.

A few months ago, at a school reunion, I visited St Andrew's Cathedral School, where my Christian life was nurtured through the ministry of chapel and Crusaders.

As I walked through the corridors, and visited the original location of where we met for Bible study and prayer, I was reminded of the love and care of those who taught me and nurtured me in my faith.

Two weeks ago, I attended the Centenary of Christ Church St Ives, the place I grew as a teenager, served as a young adult, and was married to my wife.

The building has been renovated, but the memories of faithful Bible teaching and loving leadership remained.

Visiting these three McNeill Sacred Spaces reminded me of the significance of buildings to the Christian life.

I do not doubt for a second the fact that church is people, not a building. When two or more are gathered in Jesus' name, he is present with the believers as 'church'. Indeed, the memories I experienced of the campsite, the school and the church were all related to people, not physical structures.

Yet, the venues still had strong significance. They were all nothing but rain shelters. But, the 'space' still brought home strong memories, and led me to give thanks to God for the activity that happened within those walls.

It is terrific that we have moved away from associating the activity of church from buildings commonly known as 'churches'. We need to be able to plant churches without turning over soil. Yet, we will do well to give thought to how we might keep some physical and environmental connections.