Day 168: Bricks

Today I have come to the realization that large building programs really grieve me. Let me explain myself because I am quite sure that first line is raising a few eyebrows. I recently recalled a promotional piece I got regarding a church expanding their building. In this promo they were selling bricks to make a walkway. This seems innocent enough but I have to tell you, after being a pastor for 5 years in an economy that is in the crapper (Greek for toilet) and dealing with people who are struggling to make it week to week…it floors me that a church, any church would want to spend at least a quarter million dollars on just a sidewalk. This church want to sell 1000 personalized bricks at 250 dollars each. My question is, could you imagine the outreach and benevolence ministries that could take place with that kind of money? In an economy where people in the church are facing foreclosure…the church is going to spend this much on a sidewalk? How about we take that money and get church people back on their feet?

I am all for having a nice building and making things look nice in order to be good stewards of what God has given to you, but when is enough, enough? Truth be told if I had to restart a church I probably wouldn’t even own a building…that is just a ton of money that could be used on actual ministry. I realize I am sticking my neck out on the chop block with this blog but when have you ever known me not to share my humble opinion in these blogs? Thoughts?