There has been a lot of discussion about the new $130 Million building a church has decided to build and relocate to. Of course there are opinions on both sides. Without getting into who & why I'd like to ask a question about this idea in general.
Some people uphold the idea to build a $130M building as a good investment (breaking eggs to make an omelet). Others think it's a bad investment (a waste of money). Actually, both groups are right ... from their perspective.
One group believes (simplifying) that the money should be spent on helping the poor, or building 130 churches ($1 million each), or a number of other things. Another group believes the building is a great way to breathe life into a struggling congregation, that money is no object to God and that the awesomeness of a beautiful structure glorifies God and gives the church credibility, and even more.
My question is, does Jesus or the Bible give us any principles or direction in this area? If so, what is it?
To me, I can’t say whether or not the 130 million is right or not but I certainly don’t want to second guess or call into question what the leaders of that church feel God is calling them to do. Yes, 130 million is a HUGE price tag and at first glance of price tag alone, one could easily rationalize how that money could be spent in so many other ways to serve immediate needs (hunger, homelessness, disease, church plants, etc). BUT… that would be us putting what WE would do in place of perhaps what God might be doing. What I am concerned with most on a project with such a hefty price tag is… will a structure of that sort eventually get in the way of serving God? Will it, in and of itself, become an idol? Will the giant mortgage payment end up compromising the leadership decisions so that they begin to subtly program and respond based on the tithe, not upsetting the “big givers” etc. If we’re honest, that happens. Maybe not always visibly, but I know a LOT of pastors who – sometimes without even realizing it – make decisions and preach messages that are safe because, in the back of their mind they are thinking about the budget. Most won’t admit that and many don’t even realize they do it but it happens. It’s often not intended, it just happens.
So the moral of the story to me is… if the leadership of that church feels this is what God is calling them to do and they have spent time in prayer and seeking his direction, then they should GO and move forward. It’s not for us to question the call that God places on anyone else. It may not be the choice we would make and sometimes it may even seem contradictory but… God is God and he can redeem anything he wants to, in any way and through any one or anything he wants to.
Lastly… my personal stance on it is that I think 130 million is excessive. I think, while the building could be a huge benefit, the outside world (nonbeleivers) fixate on the price tag and that could send a message that does more harm than good. If we were in a more prosperous economy it might be different but we’re not. When the general consumer is scared, many out of work, etc, etc. a 130 mil project like that could just confuse them or reinforce any negative thoughts about the mission of the church they may have.
Comment by Daniel Decker - Nov 06, 2009 @ 07:27 AM
Is 130 million excessive? Probably no more excessive than a church purchasing high dollar communion trays over simplifying the process. In the end, it’s just a purchasing choice made by a church and what I would like is to see all purchasing decisions called into question. Does this really bring God glory or is this bringing ourselves (or our congregation) glory? No one should point fingers at the 130 million until they can answer those same questions about their own local congregation and frankly, their own personal buying habits as well.
Comment by Tommy - Nov 06, 2009 @ 08:25 AM
I immediately think about God’s response to David, when he wanted to build a temple for God. He basically said that He is God and he doesn’t need a temple. I believe that David’s intent were pure, and that he genuinely wanted to honor God. However the motives of these Mega church leaders are highly ambiguous to me. I spoke with a couple the other day that invited me to come to a church, which was a mega church. They said that they like it because it gives some people the opportunity to come and be anonymous. I was thinking at this point….” Is this what God intended?” I don’t think so. Far to much fellowship and reverence of God is focused on a building. The steeple has become the beacon rather than Christ. There are TONS of churches in the US. Instead of building “churches” we should be building up each other.
Comment by Keith Miller - Nov 06, 2009 @ 08:50 AM
Thanks, Daniel, Tommy, Keith for your thoughts!
I’d really like to see what the bible says about this. Are there any relevant scriptures?
Comment by Jesse Phillips - Nov 06, 2009 @ 09:35 AM
I just wonder where the money for this church building is coming from? The members?
I think if a large portion of the money is coming from the members then I would hope that supporting this church financially is not a burden to them.
Personally, I don’t think it’s the best choice to ever invest so much money in a church building unless your members have really grown to such a capacity and it’s just necessary and the income of the congregation can fund it. But, I don’t know the history of this particular church, where they’ve been, and where they seem to be going.
Comment by Christina - Nov 06, 2009 @ 09:53 AM
@Jesse regarding scripture, I’d like to know too!
I tried to think of some, but it really depends on what you want to tackle here.
I was reading through the end of Romans 13, all of 14, and the beginning of 15 and found some good stuff regarding making a judgement on those investing in this building project and how it may affect those weaker in their faith.
Comment by Christina - Nov 06, 2009 @ 09:57 AM
Europe is covered with monuments to a boom time for Catholic and Lutheran churches. It became common knowledge that many were starving in the shadows of cathedrals. I’m hopeful that in the modern era of “cathedral building”, churches are concerned with meeting local needs too. But I am concerned that the temptation to build greatly will lead to that same attitude toward those outside the building. “We can’t feed the poor till we pay down our debt-load.” We both shape and are shaped by our structures, and possessing great structures will eventually lead to a maintenance mindset. Buildings require devotion, the more expensive and wonderful they are, the more devotion they require, until the owners become the slaves of the structure.
Comment by Rick - Nov 06, 2009 @ 09:59 AM
“As I look around downtown Dallas, I see spectacular temples of commerce, of culture and of government – many new, some restored to former glory, and all intended to stand for generations. The Kingdom of God needs a home to equal them – a spiritual oasis in the middle of downtown.” Pastor Jeffress
Scriptures in response to this:
Christians together are God’s temple:
Ephesians 2:20-22
1Corinthians 3:9-17
Physical, earthly buildings are temporary:
Mark 13:1&2
It is in the evident oneness of individuals with God and then with each other that impacts the world with Jesus:
John 17:22-23
Interesting response of Jesus to the fact his followers were growing in number: John 4:1-3
the hope of heaven and the dwelling place being prepared there is our spiritual oasis….. not the visible glory of a building:
2Corinthians 5:1-7:
John 14:2-3
Luke 17:20-21
We do not parade our spirituality before the world. Our treasures give evidence of where our heart lies…... in heaven or on earth:
Matthew 6
Luke 12:20-43
Where and what we worship in is not as important as Who and How we worship:
John 4:19-26
if this construction furthers the kingdom of God in the hearts of people, praise the Lord. But only Jesus judges that. We live for heaven but use the resources of the world to further the Kingdom and bring glory to Christ, at what point does our use turn to abuse? Again, perhaps only Jesus can judge. I don’t know if I’d be able to worship in such magnificence without glorying in the work of man just as much or more than the work of Christ…
1Corinthians 7:29-31
Ephesians 3:10-21
Galatians 6:14
I’ll leave off before I spend all day scouring scripture and developing my position on the debate.
My Christ be lifted higher than us and our buildings and numbers….. may the work He continues to do in our sanctification get more glory than our fruit. May the fellowship of His people be more life changing than the places they meet.
Comment by eleanor - Nov 06, 2009 @ 11:41 AM