UPDATE 39 - What to Expect When Your Church Finally Gets a Building
Hey all!
A couple weeks ago, The Gospel Coalition published an article called What to Expect When Your Church Finally Gets a Building. I recommend reading it! It is highly applicable for Liberti River Wards as we prepare to move into our first building after worshiping at (by my count) seven locations over 22 years. I had our staff team read it and discuss the piece. The author is honest about both 1) the great blessing of having a permanent space and 2) the adjustment required with the move. I appreciated his encouragement to take time to let the dust settle as the church finds a new normal.
I would draw your attention to these two paragraphs.
The permanent building is a wonderful 24-7 advertisement for our church, but people still need to be personally invited. The building does house many new gatherings and groups, but the building is only a backdrop to the ministry done within it. The building has provided us with a home base, but we still must launch out on mission.
A new building may be worth a visit or two for a guest, but it won’t keep, engage, or disciple a guest. When the construction or renovation of your new space ends, the real work continues. (bolded emphasis mine)
Which of his three points do you need to hear? Do you need to open your heart to the blessing of the space? Do you need to set your expectations for an adjustment period? Or do you need the reminder that the work of ministry will continue?
Father, we pray that you would bless Liberti River Wards with your wisdom as we prepare to move into this building. Fill us with joy, give us wise expectations, and deepen our love for one another. We pray that your Spirit would strengthen us for what will be asked of each of us in this future building, whether it be flexibility, starting something new, or enduring with the same tasks you have already given us in loving people for your sake. More than anything, at the heart of it all, fill us anew with gratitude that our names are written in the Lamb’s book of life (Luke 10:20) because Jesus’ blood has healed our wounds (Isaiah 53:4).