How To Build a Church
My congregation is in the middle of a $1.2 million expansion and remodeling capital fund campaign. This is just Phase I of a 2-Phase Master Plan. Heaven knows when will get around to affording Phase II? By coincidence we are also celebrating our 35th year as a congregation....so....we're having a party at the end of the month!
As I often do, I have written a song to mark the occasion. The song will be "premiered" during worship tomorrow morning. That way, as we sing it each Sunday, we'll all know it when the actual anniversary celebration arrives on August 28th.
The words of my song, however, have very little to do with the building campaign. Anyone with money can build a building. Look at Donald Trump if you want to find a good building builder! The Christians, on the other hand, are not interested in building buildings at all...except when they can be useful in "building up the Body of Christ" and enlarging our ministry and witness to the community and the world.
For a church, buildings are never an end unto themselves. They are always a means to a greater end. My song focuses on building up the Church as the people of God. There are many Biblical references contained in it which, I hope, makes it a teaching tool as well as a good sing.
If you are interested, here it is. If you are a member of a Christian congregation you will understand what it is all about. If you are not a Christian or a Christian who is not a member of a congregation, why not visit a nearby Christian church some Sunday soon and discover what it is all about for yourself. It is a good thing. A very good thing.
As I often do, I have written a song to mark the occasion. The song will be "premiered" during worship tomorrow morning. That way, as we sing it each Sunday, we'll all know it when the actual anniversary celebration arrives on August 28th.
The words of my song, however, have very little to do with the building campaign. Anyone with money can build a building. Look at Donald Trump if you want to find a good building builder! The Christians, on the other hand, are not interested in building buildings at all...except when they can be useful in "building up the Body of Christ" and enlarging our ministry and witness to the community and the world.
For a church, buildings are never an end unto themselves. They are always a means to a greater end. My song focuses on building up the Church as the people of God. There are many Biblical references contained in it which, I hope, makes it a teaching tool as well as a good sing.
If you are interested, here it is. If you are a member of a Christian congregation you will understand what it is all about. If you are not a Christian or a Christian who is not a member of a congregation, why not visit a nearby Christian church some Sunday soon and discover what it is all about for yourself. It is a good thing. A very good thing.
BUILDING ON THE PAST--BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Building on the past--Building for the future.
Something that will last; That will long endure.
Building lives of faith, Courage and conviction.
Building up the Kingdom Of Jesus Christ the Lord.
We must be always building; Not just with stone or steel.
Washed in the living water; Fed by the living meal.
Sharing our tithes and talents; Standing with those God sends.
Serving the Lord as servants; Serving the Lord as friends.
Building on the Rock, And not on shifting beach sand.
Building on God's Word; A Gospel that will stand.
Building up the Church; A pure and holy nation;
A sure and firm foundation, With Christ the Cornerstone.
Lives filled with Godly purpose, Serving the King of Kings.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven! Rising up on eagles' wings.
Building up God's holy temple; Each of us a living stone.
Bearing each other's burdens; Yoked with Christ we're not alone.
Building on the past--Building for the future.
Something that will last; That will long endure.
Building lives of faith, Courage and conviction.
Building up the Kingdom Of Jesus Christ the Lord.
Something that will last; That will long endure.
Building lives of faith, Courage and conviction.
Building up the Kingdom Of Jesus Christ the Lord.
We must be always building; Not just with stone or steel.
Washed in the living water; Fed by the living meal.
Sharing our tithes and talents; Standing with those God sends.
Serving the Lord as servants; Serving the Lord as friends.
Building on the Rock, And not on shifting beach sand.
Building on God's Word; A Gospel that will stand.
Building up the Church; A pure and holy nation;
A sure and firm foundation, With Christ the Cornerstone.
Lives filled with Godly purpose, Serving the King of Kings.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven! Rising up on eagles' wings.
Building up God's holy temple; Each of us a living stone.
Bearing each other's burdens; Yoked with Christ we're not alone.
Building on the past--Building for the future.
Something that will last; That will long endure.
Building lives of faith, Courage and conviction.
Building up the Kingdom Of Jesus Christ the Lord.
posted by Bird of Paradise at 8:32 PM
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