You may have deduced, from some of my not-so-subtle allusions, that my church is about to/considering/pursuing decisions about entering into a building renovation programme. I'll be honest about where I stand: we should have done this years ago! Okay, maybe not years, but the vision and dream has been bubbling for a couple of years and the past few months have brought fruition--as well as brought derision and division. It is sad and disheartening at times. But it is also exciting to see the possibilities.
One of the most maddening statements that I heard leading up to the church presentation to get permission to do some initial surveys was this:
"We should not even present this to the church for a vote until you are sure you have 90% of the vote. If you don't have that, you shouldn't say anything yet."
And I wanted to scream back at the person, "Where is your faith in this?" I chose to smile and quietly say I disagreed, but that was only being polite. Really, if we can't proceed until we have gotten enough votes to ensure that we get our way, then we are not trusting God at all to be the giver of the dream or the provider for the dream. As it turns out, the leadership did present the vision. Ninety minutes of heated discussion later, where in my heart I was sure that the dream died here, the vote passed by a clear and standing majority. God moved in the decision.
Surveys are being conducted to give the architect info to provide real options. Of course, we have already heard the next non-trust question come up:
"Should we start anything until we have raised all the money needed for the project?"
Leadership is reminding folks that if God is leading, he will provide (although we are reminded he will provide from our own pockets to start). A committee is already looking at how to fund the project, if drawings are approved and planning permission obtained. Again, however, the issue is do we trust God to lead and provide or do we want to keep it within our visible means?
Personally, I can't wait to see what God is going to do. I am hopeful that what he is going to do is provide for a building that will minister to our growing youth programme and will be a bridge into the community. But if it isn't a building that he is giving a vision toward, I pray that what he will give us is a bigger vision and understanding of Himself. That growing sense of Who He Is is an amazing feat that only he can give.
“If all you ever attempt is that which you know you can do, or have the resources for how will you ever discover what He can do? ”
My Jesus is . . . Everything
by Anne Graham Lotz
Nina, of Mama's Little Treasures, is our hostess for In Other Words this week. Come and be blessed.
6 comments:
Amen, bless you sweetie.
Goog morning Miriam Pauline - your post brought back so many memories for me . . . . it is so hard to find that place where everyone in the congregation is "comfortable," wanting to trust but also be wise. But I'm not sure Jesus always wants us to be "comfortable"! Thanks for sharing! Mr. Linky is up now, sorry for the delay . . . . it took me a while to remember how to use the silly thing! Have a wonderful Tuesday, Nina
That growing sense of Who He Is is an amazing feat that only he can give.
I pray He gives it to us, friend. I pray our eyes are open to Him and that our obedience leads the way.
You suppose we could run into each other at a writing or book conference some day? That would be awesome!
Have a great day, friend.
"But if it isn't a building that he is giving a vision toward, I pray that what he will give us is a bigger vision and understanding of Himself."
You speak words of wisdom. My church is also on the brink of building a new facility, and I can relate to all you've said. The added space is much-needed, but of course, there are practical matters to consider as well. I'm trusting that God will lead his people in the right direction. Thanks for sharing today.
Denise Hughes :)
I think many churches are leaning too much on surveys and ways of normal businesses instead of relying on old fashioned faith. But that's what it's all about, isn't it? Spending time in prayer and listening to Him. And then being obedient even when we don't know how it will all turn out. That's walking by faith and not by sight, I believe.
Oh, I need to get over here more often! IT's amazing, isn't it, that the church can be so weak in faith sometime? I have to keep reminding myself that the church is made of people!
We have a relatively new building.. the standing joke around here is about churches splitting up over the color of the carpet in the sanctuary! God is big enough!
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