You’ve heard the old story about the aging man who confesses to his coffee shop buddies that the longer he lives, the more he becomes obsessed with the “hereafter.” “Every time I go up the stairs, I ask myself the question, ‘What am I here after?’”
It’s time for us as a church to get serious about that question, “What are we here after?” I say that because while we have been on this journey called “Here…for Life!” for some time, and while we have undertaken the first of the many needed renovations and repairs that have needed to be addressed, we still have not determined what the final scope of our work will be.
Now, however, we have obtained final numbers from our contractor and the Building 4 Community committee has prepared its recommendation for the church’s consideration, which they will present to the church this Sunday evening, August 2, at 6:00 PM in the sanctuary. Members will have the opportunity to ask questions. Then we will reflect prayerfully on this momentous decision and come back on Sunday morning, August 16, when will vote on the recommendation at both morning services.
Needless to say, this decision is one of the most critical our church has faced in many years, perhaps more so than any since the 1957 decision to construct our “Second Century Church.” Granted, we have added other buildings such as the E.C. Allen CLC and Chason buildings in the intervening years. But the sheer magnitude of this project’s scope makes it a watershed moment in the life of First Baptist Church.
I’m confident that we are prepared to step forward in faith. For one thing, our church has already committed almost $8 million to the project, and our pledges are coming in ahead of schedule – a remarkable show of faithfulness in this present economy. Moreover, the spirit of our church has never been stronger, and you can never underestimate the importance of that variable in a church accomplishing its God-given purpose. Combine those spiritual realities with economic ones, such as how construction costs are at an all-time low, at least for the time being, and I don’t know that we would ever find a better time to consider such an endeavor.
Your voice is important as we move forward. Regardless of what we decide, it will require the dedication of all of us. But as we come together on Sunday surely we can celebrate the way our people have already shown their spiritual resolve and ponder the possibilities of what lies ahead for us as a people who are “here after” God’s purpose, His blessing, and His pleasure.
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