The building held over 1,000 people, a large platform, floor to ceiling pipe organ, stained glass windows, a residence and a stately structure. The building has long historical roots. It was the first of its kind in the capital city.
It was a unique experience. The music was awesome. The enthusiasm was obvious, the hours of practice was evident. Yet, I was dismayed. It was a juxtaposition as we attended a music festival in this large downtown building.
Tourists pay for guided tours. They admire the unique architecture, the stained glass windows, carved wooden chairs and pews. These buildings only survive with tourist dollars. They are beautiful works of art called churches.
Think about the builders, a century ago. The draftsmen, bricklayers, workers of gold, silver and bronze. They worked days, months and years. They were not building for tourists; they were building for people, for God’s glory. I suspect in those days, working on a cathedral was a lifetime endeavor. Some of the workers didn’t live to see the opening of the cathedral they built.
These buildings are advertised as churches yet a church is not a building. A church is a body of believers. If there are no believers, there is no church.
Churches used to be the center of the community. A house of worship, the major social justice, the relief organization, the centre for medical and senior care. Churches used to set the standard for ethics.
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20)
Is your family of believers growing, serving the needs of your community and bringing in new people? If it isn’t your building may be a tourist attraction to future generations.
Leadership is praying, believing discipling people for the future.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach