Behind the Beard

1On April 15, 1998, the church appointed a building committee “to study our church’s needs and bring recommendations.” In the ten years since that time, actions taken by the church demonstrate that the church believes that it should relocate to a piece of property off Route 340 above Clayton Homes. This has led to the acquisition of the property and design of a proposed building. It has not, however, yet led to our constructing and occupying a new building.

As near as I can estimate, forward movement on this project ceased about three years ago and today we find ourselves faced with a choice: do we abandon our intention to build or do we continue forward and complete the purpose we believe God has set before us? As I shared with the church at our April business meeting, I have challenged the New Church Building Committee to bring to the church’s July business meeting a plan that will lead to the construction and occupation of a new building within five years. I have done this for the following reasons:

First, the reasons that prompted the church to choose to relocate have not changed. The limitations which our current building imposes upon us are still here and they are not getting better. We have inadequate fellowship space, cramped hallways, inferior electrical wiring, insufficient kitchen facilities, no public gathering spaces, deteriorating finishes, failing mechanical systems, and . . . well, the list goes on and on. Further, what we can do here–given existing zoning and building codes–will never meet our current needs much less our projected future needs. But those are just worldly justifications. Most importantly, I believe that the church heard the authentic voice of God calling it to leave its “Ur of the Chaldees” and set out for the Canaan of God’s promise and, when God calls, the only right answer is “Yes, Lord!”

Second, failure to plan for success is successfully planning to fail. Simply put: we will never build a building until we build it. That may sound trite, it is nonetheless true. We can hope, we can talk, we can dream, we can believe–but dreams do not pour concrete, talk does not lay brick, dreams do not frame walls, and belief does not install plumbing. Sacrifice and hard work does. As James said: “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” (James 2:16) I believe it is time for us put our faith into practice and that will not happen until we establish a plan, set completion dates, and hold ourselves accountable to the task.

Third, the time is right. The time is right because our current need is great. This building is stifling, not stretching, our ministries. The time is right because delay is beginning to undermine the confidence and commitment of the church and further delay will only erode that until we accept failure as inevitable. We must remember the wisdom of God expressed in Proverbs 13:12: “Hope delayed makes the heart sick.” Already, many of our membership say that they will never see the building built. That is a thin supper when a banquet has been promised. If someone believes that we are not to build but, like David and the temple, to wait for some future Solomon, then I am willing to listen to that prophetic voice rise up from amongst the people of God. But no such voice has emerged to declare with clarity, conviction, and conformity with the scriptural revelation what signs we must see to know when that time will arrive. And a voice that speaks in that way is different from the mere naysayers who fear the challenge of change.

Fourth, if we do not act now, the land we purchased will become a stumbling block to us. It is already negatively influencing our decisions. Needed maintenance work on our existing facility is being deferred because “we’re going to be moving into a new building.” Significant funds are being collected and spent for the new building while our operating budget has been severely cut to stay within our income levels. Remember, mere possession of land is a waste of resources. The church has not been called of God to become landowners in this world. We are called to lead people to Jesus Christ. If the land and buildings we own aid in doing that, then they are worthwhile investments for us. If they do not aid us in accomplishing our mission, then they are little more than expensive stumbling blocks. As I write this, we have over $650,000 tied up in the land above Clayton Homes (26 acres @ $25,000/acre plus the value of the road). That is more than our combined Cooperative Program, Augusta Baptist Association, Annie Armstrong, and Lottie Moon giving combined for the last ten years! As stewards of God’s riches, we have an obligation to our Lord to make His resources accomplish His will. Jesus is very clear about this in the parable of the talents recorded in Matthew 25:14-30. Those servants that multiplied the resources given to them were blessed, the one that merely held them was cursed. As servants of God we will be held accountable for the blessings He has bestowed upon us.

This challenge will not be easy but, neither is it unattainable. As I see it, there are five steps we must take to see it through:

First, we must determine the value of our existing assets and project the total amount of funding available for the entire project prior to any commitments. Jesus points out how important this step is in Luke 14:28 when he says: “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?” Once we know how much we can afford, then we can –

Create and approve the design of a building that meets our primary needs and which falls within our means. The New Church Building Committee has done exceptional work in considering the various requirements the church will put on its new facility. These have influenced the existing design and it now needs to be determined whether or not the current design remains feasible given our financial capabilities and changing ministry needs.

Third, we must secure the actual funding that will be used for the construction project. This should take the form of conducting a capital campaign to raise cash, seeking lenders to supply mortgages, and arranging for the sale of our existing facility to reduce indebtedness.

Fourth, we must select and engage a construction firm to put the building up and lastly –

MOVE!

Then, when all has been completed, we shall find that “blessed are they who have believed that what the Lord has said to them will be accomplished.” (Luke 1:45, paraphrased)

Pastor Will