A “Church” That Puts People Before Facility
In Fayetteville, GA, there is an expression of the Church called Rolling Hills Baptist Church.
They moved to a Tinseltown Theater complex and the operating costs for them now is only a third of what is was before.
I love it when I see leadership making bold moves like this. It’s not the first time this has happened, nor will it be the last, but it’s definitely a rare thing to see leadership (and the people they lead) let go of something that is perceived to be so “big” as an entire church facility.
In fact, in the last 2 years, I’ve personally witnessed 2 churches implode over facility issues. Seriously? Do we really want to die on that hill?
In essence, a building is so insignificant, it’s a tool (some would say necessary) and that’s all it is, though. Just a tool. I think the problem is when we begin to find security and even identity in a building.
- Why is it that we want to have our fancy buildings and big parking lots so much?
- Are they really necessary to make an impact in the community?
- Does church growth have anything to do with permanent facility?
- Is it even possible to “grow” the CHURCH without a facility?
- Can a church be large and small at the same time? I mean, can a church with 1000+ members have multiple meeting places across a city and still be unified?
These are all questions that I’m pondering and will continue to ponder as long as I’m here in this “church building on every corner” part of the earth.
The early church added thousands to their number in very short periods of time yet there’s never really any mention of stained glass windows, pews, stage lighting, or even worship bands.
Can we admit that as nice as our local church buildings are to have, that we could thrive as the Body of Christ here in America without them? That’s a tough question.
(ht: Glenn Hatcher | MondayMorningInsight.com | WheresTheSteeple.org)
I appreciate this post! We are often too attached to our facilities. Somehow they allow us to look inward so much that we don’t see the harvest outside of those walls.
Thanks, Catherine! It is a great story! And thanks for stopping by!
We are in a same kind of dilemma except were on the other side looking for a building. I think we need somewhere stationary so there is a place for the congregants to call “home”. But were not in the business of growing the church for numbers sake. Were all about growing the heart for God.
We now hold our services in a martial arts gym and we have to share alot with the gym. I think it’s beneficial to have a place of your own. But like I said, the building is not our first priority.