I Love an Active Church!

I love a church building that is full of activity! Don't get me wrong, Christians can be (and should be) active in ministry apart from any church building. However, I think it is an exciting thing to see people constantly coming in and out of a church building all week long, aside from the scheduled worship times. A constantly used church building often is a sign of a constantly ministering and continually working community of believers.

Christians are commanded to assemble together and to be engaged in the work of the ministry (Heb. 10:25; Eph. 4:12). A church building is a helpful tool to serve as a central location where the church can all assemble together and as a launching dock for ministry into the world. I do not believe in church buildings being holy sanctuaries that are only used as a "hallowed" spot for worship. I believe that Christians should stop building "sanctuaries" and should start building "ministry centers." Many congregations are beginning to move in this direction. I know of several congregations who have wisely built a single large multipurpose space that is used for worship, fellowship activities, and ministry outreach. I think this is a wise use of a church's funds and demonstrates a more outward focus to the work of the local church.

Over the past few weeks, our church building has been bustling with activity. Some have met here to car-pool to Disaster Relief for volunteer work. I hear the sound of hammers as our new fellowship hall is being renovated. The decoration committee has been working like busy bees this week ordering light fixtures and making last minute plans for the kitchen in the new fellowship hall. Men have been working this week to more effectively reorient our PowerPoint system and have begun installing a new audio system. Women have been meeting here for a Ladies Bible Class for women and led by women. Other servant women have been working on preparing classrooms and building material for teaching classes. One wonderful woman has been sprucing up our nursery downstairs.

It is exciting to see so much activity in the building! Even more exciting is the spirit I see in disciples who are working for the Lord in this place. I see people working because they love the Lord and are thankful for his grace. Christians are to work for God voluntarily not because they feel compelled to do so (cf. 1 Peter 5:2). At Spring Hill, I see people who want to be involved, not people who are given a "guilt trip" to be involved. Thank you for your willing spirit to serve the kingdom of our Lord. Your work does not go unnoticed. I love an active church, with a willing spirit!