I read something today that sparked a fire of outrage inside of me. It's the one thing that America has plenty of, it's the one thing that many take so much pride in that they can't see as far as the building their sitting in. If you guessed another mega church--you are correct. It seems that another church is planning the construction of another mega-church that will cost 35 million dollars! First Presbyterian Church of Colorado is building a "church" that will house a cafe, bookstore, library, childcare area, oh and let's not forget the sanctuary. This truly grieves my heart, breaks it into a million pieces really. The picture to the left really puts things in perspective doesn't it? Do you find it hard to look at the children--bones easily visible through their skin. Does it bother you to know that tomorrow, if they see tomorrow they will awake to the horror of another day without the basic necessities of food, water, shelter, or clothing? All while people pour millions of dollars into their magnificent buildings--their treasures here on earth that will burn, rust, and succumb to the elements. It bothers me, it grieves me, it saddens me, and it angers me! Will you think of these children, and other's all over the world who face these same bleak conditions when you get dressed in the morning jump in your car, enter your building that is as grand as a hotel lobby. Will you think of the least of these as you sit in your cafe, browse the bookstore, sip on your coffee, eat your pastries, and marvel at the beauty of the building that pride built? Will you think of them as you enter the grandeur of the sanctuary, sit in the plush seats, and try your best to be closet to the stage, listen to the newest worship songs, lift your hands in awe and wonder? As you look around at the huge TV screens, lighting, and admire the show, admire what man built--will you see the faces of those you really could have served? Sad to say most won't. Some call it church growth--I call it the pride and selfishness of man at its greatest. If I am grieved, I know that Jesus weeps! Monday, September 12, 2011
Putting Things In Perspective
I read something today that sparked a fire of outrage inside of me. It's the one thing that America has plenty of, it's the one thing that many take so much pride in that they can't see as far as the building their sitting in. If you guessed another mega church--you are correct. It seems that another church is planning the construction of another mega-church that will cost 35 million dollars! First Presbyterian Church of Colorado is building a "church" that will house a cafe, bookstore, library, childcare area, oh and let's not forget the sanctuary. This truly grieves my heart, breaks it into a million pieces really. The picture to the left really puts things in perspective doesn't it? Do you find it hard to look at the children--bones easily visible through their skin. Does it bother you to know that tomorrow, if they see tomorrow they will awake to the horror of another day without the basic necessities of food, water, shelter, or clothing? All while people pour millions of dollars into their magnificent buildings--their treasures here on earth that will burn, rust, and succumb to the elements. It bothers me, it grieves me, it saddens me, and it angers me! Will you think of these children, and other's all over the world who face these same bleak conditions when you get dressed in the morning jump in your car, enter your building that is as grand as a hotel lobby. Will you think of the least of these as you sit in your cafe, browse the bookstore, sip on your coffee, eat your pastries, and marvel at the beauty of the building that pride built? Will you think of them as you enter the grandeur of the sanctuary, sit in the plush seats, and try your best to be closet to the stage, listen to the newest worship songs, lift your hands in awe and wonder? As you look around at the huge TV screens, lighting, and admire the show, admire what man built--will you see the faces of those you really could have served? Sad to say most won't. Some call it church growth--I call it the pride and selfishness of man at its greatest. If I am grieved, I know that Jesus weeps! 
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7 comments:
Sister Evette, I know exactly what you mean here. Before we left Ohio, a church there sent out "cordial invites" to fellow churches to come and visit their "New and Improved Sanctuary", and my husband opted out, but I went with a Pastor friend of ours. The whole thing was a spectacle, they had tour guides taking us in groups, and the sanctuary was huge but according to them it was not "the main attraction"...WHAT?!? I endured this all, I don't know why, but across from the sanctuary there was a huge built in slide that took kids from the main floor to the lower floors, go figure. Also on that floor was the cafe & book shop. I went downstairs in the newly installed elevators and landed in a children's paradise. There was an area fully dedicated to video games, an Xbox 360, a Playstation 3 and a Wii on three walls! In the church!
There was also a full basketball court with beautifully shellacked floors, as well as a media area for the children's church with the large screens and deejay area. Again, in church!! If this was all it would be too much but at that point my friend and I had seen too much and we left in disgust. I found everything in there except the most important thing/person - God's Holy Spirit.
At present I cannot find the name of that church, but if I do I will surely send it to you. In the meantime I can honestly tell you that the grief on your spirit for those children, I share that with you. The state that we are in with God's use of our ministry? We are content because we know that we are doing what He called us to do, how He wants us to do it and most importantly, WHERE He wants us to do it. Good post Sis, and if it hurts someone then they need to earnestly pray about their situation. ;)
It literally breaks my heart to see what people believe church is. Would love to know if that church was able to make the payments on that luxury. What a shame--they could've helped so many. Wonder how many sermons a month they do on giving--tithing to support their monstrosity.
I couldn't find much Sis, but it is called the Fairhaven Church in Ohio and they did not newly build because it was already a large, impressive building (I took my parents to see it years before the renovations, it was that nice!) but their renovations were in the area od $8 million. http://www.fairhavenchurch.org/about_us/facilities and http://www.flickr.com/photos/fairhavenphotos/sets/72157625763366088/ and some photos of the on-going renovations and what the kid's area looked like: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.101033391206.102338.92486586206&type=1 It's something out, how much we could help others in need, yet choose to "feed" our ministerial egos instead. Many have cried, "Lord, Lord"....don't fret Sis. Evette, God knows their works and the intent of the heart.
And I apologize for the typos!! LOL
What a waste of money. I saw the floor plan. SMH
Evette,
It's ALL about Perspective, Right ON...
Your right on Adam. :)
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