I have to admit that I have been a little less than enthusiastic about the new building project at church. It just didn't seem to make a lot of sense to build a whole new huge sanctuary when we haven't got the one we're using filled up most of the time. Granted yes, the 10am service is always full, but the other four are certainly not.
This wasn't always my thought. When I first heard about the project, I was excited. So many doors were being opened up and so many people were rallying in support, it was hard to not get caught up in the excitement. People were falling over themselves to give money and pledges of support for the project.
A few months later, and after I had been at the church for a few months and could see much of the church's vision, I came to realize that our church is big on mission work. Anyway, I began to wonder at why a church that isn't reaching capacity for 4 our of 5 services needs a new building. Especially a church that decidedly puts much effort and spending into missions. Then other thought came as to how much money really should go toward the new building vs. how much good could be done with that money on the mission field.
So, to sum up my feelings to this point (and in one word) - frustration. Frustration at watching the video of what the new church will look like. Frustration at seeing the model of it in the foyer. Frustration and the number of pledgers who have now left the church for one reason or another. HA! And don't even get me started on the whole Jonah thing.
But this all has changed. I don't know that I have 100% caught on to the vision, but I can at least see the point now. A friend of mine wrote something months back about how (paraphrased and probably not well, sorry friend) even though they did not see the immediate need for the new building, their church was on board with it and God was blessing it, so they weren't going to fight against it. This is more true than I really understood before.
In another conversation with a couple friends and few months back, I was expressing regret for having committed myself to a certain position in the church because I was having trouble agreeing with what I was being taught by those in authority over me. I realize now that I was wrong to have felt that way. See, the whole reason I stayed in Portland for school was so that I could be in that position at church. God opened up every door and provided for every need. Last minute money...last minute dorm assignment...last minute acceptance for registration...last minute grants...last minute everything, God provided that! So why in the world would I think it ok to grumble against the person God wanted to have in authority over me?
So, how does this relate to the building? My pastor is an anointed man of God. His staff has been placed in the positions each of them hold as a part of God's will. My pastor has been given a vision by God of what our church is to be and where it is to go. Until now our church has been a safe place for people and sending point to the nations. What it is becoming, I am not completely sure, but I know that through this "Jonah" series we have been challenged to reach our neighbors. Not just the ones who live next door to us, but the ones that live in Portland or Beaverton too, or anyone we meet really.
Getting back on point here, when faced with so many amazing facts about how impossible things with the building project have been met and unexplainably conquered, who am I to stand against something that God has been opening every door to? How do I know that pastor doesn't have knowledge of what God has planned for our church once the new building has been finished? Just because the vision that God has given me is different that the vision God has given pastor, doesn't mean that either of us is wrong for wanting to chase after that vision.
Pastor is my pastor. My church is my family. I will not leave just because my toes have been stepped on a little....maybe they needed it! There has been no departure from scripture, there has been no blasphemy. There has been no false doctrine or encouragement to sin. Pastor is a man who wants to know God better and help others to do the same...isn't that what I want too?
So what now? It all comes back to prayer. Daily prayer for my pastor and his staff. Prayer for my church and their spiritual life. Prayer for my friends and their relationship with God and understanding of His Word. Prayer for this new building and that all who enter it will be overcome by the Glory of God. Prayer that in all of this God will be glorified. And prayer that I will not forget who is in authority.
Shepherds lead. Sheep follow. Once you know your job, do it well and do it for the glory of God.
3 comments:
Though the need may not be apparent every weekend, it was hugely apparent on Christmas Eve. So many people it was ridiculous...I don't know what we will do next year if more decide to come....add a 6th service?
There is validity in both the positions that you present. Part of the solution to the dilemma is to recognize the culture we live in. Success and the blessings of God are often believed to be symbolized by such tangible things as buildings and large crowds. Right or wrong that is the reality of our social setting.
A second factor to consider is that for the preacher to preach five or six times each weekend, smile and listen to spontaneous comments and needs of people is exhausting. If the number of services can be dropped to two or three, he can be more effective in all that the ministry requires outside of the service itself.
Someplace there is balance between the overly opulent cathedral and a functional building that allows for growth, expansion of the ministry and even more extensive outreach. Hopefully, or maybe I should say by faith, the leadership of the church has found that place of balance.
Neverhteless your comments most certainly reflect the problem that always faces the church. What is the most effective way to reach the most people in the time allotted us?
Underneath issues like multiple services and building a bigger structure to accomodate more people lies the question about this great mystery called "the Church". Over the past few decades evangelical Protestant ministers and communities have latched on to different models, ideas, and theories about what the Church is, what the parish should be like, and how to fulfill a certain mission.
Evangelical Protestant pastors influenced by modern/postmodern church growth ideas (that are only a few decades old) may indeed be very sincere in their efforts, yet misunderstand a lot about the nature of the Church and how the parish should be the Church in the world.
Maybe your frustration is good and worthy of deeper contemplation.
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