Meeting Places

LBR · 05-12-2005, 08:30 AM

Just something for you to think about while I'm gone.

What are your thoughts on fancy church buildings? Up until a little over a year ago, I'd spent the last several years in commercial construction, and we worked on some huge church buildings. Not just huge, but fancy--some places had $100 vases (and lots of them) for decoration, huge stained glass windows, etc. etc.

In my opinion it's a sorry waste of money that could be put to much better use. I can see having a comfortable seat, heating and air, a baptistry, but sometimes you need to draw the line and decide when you are going from making the members comfortable for the service to just plain showing off. I don't think it's restricted to any certain religious group, it seems to depend on how well off the people are that attend a given place. At one place we were working during Thanksgiving and the members there fed us a meal. The preacher said a prayer before we ate, asking God to bless the building they were putting up for His glory. Would that not be something akin to building an idol? Or rather paying to have one built.

I believe the money could and should be put to a much better use.

Chad

DaveH · 05-12-2005, 09:09 AM

In the past, I've served on various church committees including the budget and finance committee. Our congregation consists of a wide variety of income levels, from the not-so-well-off to the very well-to-do. The B/F committee submits a budget every year for approval of the congregation by proxy. Prior to the vote several business meetings are scheduled so that members of the church can ask questions and help determine where the monies should be apportioned. So, to answer the question . . .

Spending a huge amount of money on a much fancier than needed building and decorations is, in my mind, innappropriate. Priorities need to be set and a fancy building and decor is not anywhere near the top of the list in our church. We're nearing the completion of a building project we started over a year ago. We didn't start it until we already had the needed finances--it took quite a few years to collect them. The building is very nice, comfortable . . . and sensible. It won't win any awards for being overtly fancy or outrageously beautiful, but it is attractive and will serve our church family for many years to come.

Rebel Hog · 05-12-2005, 09:18 AM

LBR, I guess you did't read my post on Tithes. The church I attend does'nt even
come close to your figures or looks like the one's you mentioned.

Terasec · 05-12-2005, 09:29 AM

whats sicker
Churches having $100 vases?
or
churches paying +$100K-$200K a yr for insurance?
not to mention how muh they pay for simple repairs and maintainance,
My small church in NYC, has to pay $1 million for a paintjob,

LBR · 05-12-2005, 09:33 AM

Atually I didn't Reb, and I wasn't trying to pick on any person or religion in particular. I'm going on my experience in the construction business, and places I've helped build. One we worked on cost something like $13 million dollars. It doesn't have a huge sanctuary either--at least not what I'd think a building that cost that much should have. It does have a huge kitchen with a walk-in freezer, a full indoor basketball court, a full indoor gym, rooms for bride and groom, thousands of dollars in knick-knacks to sit on shelves for decoration, etc. etc. etc. It's common knowledge that the members there are primarily rich folks. It's not the only one I've seen, but probably the most elaborate I've worked on. There is another very close to here that is in a town that is so small it only has one caution light. It's not as big and fancy, but in my opinion there was way too much money spent on showing off a building.

I really got to get packing this time!

Chad

Tazman · 05-12-2005, 09:39 AM

LBR I concur with you totally, when I see a huge elaborate Church, I wonder if that is what Christ would want, or would he rather see the money spent for the needy? If we are in touch with Christ we know the answer.

Snooky · 05-12-2005, 09:56 AM

Stewardship is a much needed subject in most circles. How is the money spent going to futher the Kingdom of God and help the spread the gospel. How many missionaries could be supported by a million dollar paint job? Doesn't anyone in the congregation know how to use a paint brush? Or do they just not have any commitment to the work of God? $100 an hour to walk behind the lawn mower for an hour a week. It's a good question. Wher do we draw the line between needed expense and lavish waste.

cwtaylor89 · 05-12-2005, 10:03 AM

I don't think it's wrong to have a nice church, but I also think that no church should spend $100 bucks on a vase either, if God has blessed this church enough so that they have no debts, and have all their demands met each year and have extra I think that they should give it to other churches who are not as blessed. That's what church is all about, sharing and caring and teaching God's word.

Rebel Hog · 05-12-2005, 10:12 AM

We don't spend money for 99% of our up-keep. We have all kinds of
technicians that donate thier time to the Lord in our church.The ladies
also get involved in child care and fixing food when we have a large
maintenace project to do in the church. We gladly participate in all
work to be done.

Leafrivermac · 05-12-2005, 10:25 AM

I'm kinda like LBR in that I like the small country churches. What I really like tho is when you have to add on to them to make room for a growing congregation.