Sunday, November 18, 2007
church buildings
Once at a gas station a Mexican lady asked me, "How do I get to that big historic church?" She was talking about the Pentecostal church beside the interstate, actually two church buildings side by side. One is huge, the other is more huge. They also have a large, color animated LED sign. The place is fairly new, so the word "historic" was probably mischosen. However, it did make me realize that someday it might be. Hers was perhaps the first really positive reference to the place that I'd encountered from an outsider. Most people call it "Six Flags over Jesus" or something like that. I too viewed the place with some contempt; It is afterall somewhat imposing, and doesn't help that some Pentecostal people act so scared of people like me who don't tuck their shirts into their pants. Aren't church buildings like this simply arrogant displays of personal prosperity? A fellow college student said indignantly, "All of that money should have been given to the poor." Judas Iscariot, the apostle who never really loved Jesus and ultimately betrayed him said something like that when a woman anointed him with some very expensive perfume (John 12:5), to which Jesus responded, "You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me" (John 12:8). These verses helped to break me free from judging church activities, the most conspicuous perhaps being building projects. Only God knows our motives and for all we can see, these are legitimate attempts to honor Him. I cringe as others pass judgement on the church, and not because I don't know what they're talking about. It's because they may just be passing judgement on the Bride of Christ, and one day we'll all stand before her Husband.
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3 comments:
i personally have a difficult time believing that the north american church's hungry appetite for more, more, more isn't just an extension of our culture and lifestyle. gyms, ginormous buildings, fountains, baptismal choo-choo trains? i don't know...it's easy to say you can't judge a heart, and i know that's true, but sometimes it's so obvious whether we (as a church or individuals) are generous in everything or only when it benefits us. A quote I read recently said "Many are willing to give God the credit, but not many are willing to give Him the cash" The world does judge the husband by the bride's actions and that is why we must always strive to Godly standards, to honor him in everything we do. James 1:27 says pure and genuine religion in the sight of god the father means caring for orphans and widows in thier distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. I think we do well to be diligent in these things. The poor are always here, but I think we've become either numb or fearful of it all.
mervey,
Nobody judges gymnasiums or huge buildings when they're on a college campus. People travel from all over the world to tour ancient cathedrals with great intrigue. Yet when the modern church excercises a bit of architectural prowess it confirms everyone's presupposition that church is just another money-making business entity. There is a double-standard, and in order to purify our own hearts, it shouldn't go unnoticed. Jesus says "in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you"(Matthew 7:2). So when we look with contempt on an exorbitant church building, we must be quick toward introspection. Could I live in a smaller house? Could I drive a less expensive car? Could the money I spent at a restaurant have gone to a charity? "There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known"(Matthew 10:26). On the Day that the Lord makes all things clear to us, we may see that some churches were benefiting many more people than we presumed. And I want to be judged by a huge measure of grace through the blood of Christ.
Fountains are great. I think fountains and landscaping and such are some of the most inherently divine channels for man's constructive and creative energy. God put Man in the garden afterall to tend it. He told us to "subdue the earth"(Genesis 1:28). We could build churches cheaper, but in the end have an ugly metal building in an open field. Cheap is in no way synonymous with good stewardship. Cheap often involves exploitation of the poor and of the earth's resources, and more money spent in the long run. Good stewardship on the other hand should stimulate the economy, beautify the environment and last for generations.
Baptismal choo-choo trains are another issue entirely. I personally feel that even heated indoor baptismals are far too accommodating.
The world will always judge the church, whether we meet in a palace or in a barn. "The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it"(John 1:5). But we can remove the judgement from within the church, and live free in the grace of God.
i agree about being wise in the way you spend money. gyms, i still disagree on. more than just the money, most communities have athletic centers available. are we afraid of mixing with the masses? i'm in agreement with most of what you said and you've certainly given me a lot to think about. you have an eloguent and intelligent argument as always. i love you.
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