Bend Before You Break

You don’t have to look very hard to find news stories about how bad our economy is.  Turn on the television, search the web, or pick up a newspaper and you’ll probably see reports of even more companies going out of business.  We’ve already heard of major retail chains like Mervyns, Circuit City, and Linens ‘N Things who have declared bankruptcy and are now closing stores all across America.  I’m no expert on the economy, but I’m guessing this will continue to be a trend throughout 2009.  

I drive through our city and see pictures like this all over.  Empty buildings are starting to be a growing part of our landscape.  The amazing thing is many of these buildings are brand new and in very populated and growing areas.  I can’t help but think this could be a perfect opportunity for the church.

Here are a few questions every church needs to ask right now.  Are we hurting financially?  Do we have a building debt that is over shadowing our opportunity to do ministry?  Are we ready to dream big, vision for our future, and try something out of the box?  If so, then maybe it’s time for your church to make a decision to bend before you break.

You have to wonder if there are some churches sitting on property that is more valuable to them than the building they are trying to pay off.  Perhaps it’s time they decided to sell and get out from under their huge debt.  With more and more empty buildings popping up all over, you’d have to think that some city leaders would jump at the opportunity to fill an empty space and sell an existing building, even if it meant rezoning for church use instead of retail use.  If you consider the thought that most churches end about the same time most retail stores open on Sunday, then the parking is not an issue and it could even spark more business for surrounding restaurants and retail.  Walking across a parking lot to eat lunch instead of getting in your car and driving for miles might be an attractive option.

I guess the biggest question could be; are churches more interested in their building then they are their ministry.  If they are, then this wouldn’t even be considered as an option.  Continuing in their current situation would be the desired plan.  However, if they are starving to do ministry and consider building God’s kingdom as the highest priority, then treating this as a viable option might be very attractive.

Let’s consider some of the things that might need to be given up if a church was to consider this as an option.  We’re also assuming that city governments would allow this type of a sale and give churches an opportunity to purchase these empty buildings.

Sacrifice Tradition for the Future

Churches that are still trapped in the tradition of having “Sunday School” might have to give up the favored classroom for a living room.  These retail stores are probably big enough for most churches to have a morning worship service, but to be able to do everything in the same way as they always have will not be possible.  Thinking outside the box will become a priority instead of a luxury and having members meet in homes instead of paying extra money for classroom space might need to be considered as a way to cut costs.

Become Flexible

Churches that are used to having one service will need to consider multiple services and different types of venues.  A church moving into one of these retail buildings might see a large increase in growth just because of the new visibility their church will have.  Most of these stores are in high traffic and high volume shopping areas, with young and growing families being one of the groups they would need to consider reaching out to.  Thinking young and relevant would need to be a priority if they want to capitalize on this incredible opportunity.

Think Small to Grow Big

Many of the churches I would consider the “Mid-Majors” with 500-1000 people need to start thinking smaller if they want to even consider being bigger.  I think with today and even tomorrow’s economy, churches would be better served to fall in the 200-300 member range.  Smaller buildings could mean a significant savings for local churches, especially when you can add more services and use homes for alternate building space.  Becoming small doesn’t have to mean failure or even feel like the end, when you consider the option of satellite services.  Imagine if your church decided to trade in your large building and large mortgage for a smaller building with a smaller mortgage all with the idea of purchasing multiple sites across your metro-plex.  Consider the possibility of doubling and tripling your current congregation just by adding more sites that are spread out and closer to the areas where people live.  As the economy gets tighter, so will people’s budgets and traveling long distances to attend a church isn’t as “local” as it used to be.

I certainly think the future of the church in America is as bright as it ever has been, but at the same time I think congregations will need to be more creative, take more chances, and try more daring ways to reach out to the people around them.  Cutting costs doesn’t always mean cutting staff.  Cutting the size of your building just might need to be the path your church chooses to take.

GNR | Chinese Democracy

iTunes Download…Sync to iPhone…push play…a rush of memories…

The new Guns N’ Roses album, Chinese Democracy, rocks!

While listening to the new album today I felt like running along a sandy beach where waves would crash in on my feet as I ran along.  Eventually I’d collapse to the sand with exhaustion.  Landing on my knees and placing my hands palm down on the wet sand while I tried to catch my breath.

Emotions, flooded through my brain and I didn’t know if I wanted to throw my hands into the air in triumph or cry in defeat.  There were feelings welling up within that rocked me to my gut, from past memories that flashed through my head like scratches on a movie reel.

Is this album as good as the theme of my Sr. Prom ”Paradise City” probably not.  But, there’s enough of the old Axl in this music to give you flashbacks to the glory days.  It’s not perfect.  It shows age.  It’s different.  And it’s really good.

Music is as powerful to me as the memories from my past and I don’t really give a rip if you like the new album or not.  I know I got my money’s worth and I’m going to wear this one out.

Peace!

Confessional

Maybe before you read too far in this post, you should check out the one I wrote back in July, called “Addicted to Empire.”

My confession today is:  I fell last night to my addiction to empire and purchased the iPhone.

Rationalization:  I had a $150 gift card I won, so it only cost me about $100 for the phone and a protective case for it.  I didn’t buy any other extras.

Realization:  Now I have a BIG ole phone payment every month, just so I can have the latest technology and lots of distracting fun.

Does having the iPhone make me cool?  No!  Does it make me want to brag?  Yes!  Do I have to work extremely hard to remain humble, keep my priorities in check, and stay focused on kingdom issues?  Absolutely!

Technolgy Changes Reponse to Prayer

Today has been a great day in spite of spending it in the hospital with my wife and son.  We had planned to spend Labor Day, resting on the sofa and watching lots of movies.  Instead, complications from a recent surgery sent my son to the hospital where he’s been since Saturday evening.

Today he was feeling well enough to go down stairs to see all the incredible trains they have in the lobby.  We unplugged him from all the junk he’s plugged into and loaded him in the wheel chair and took off for about an hour.  He loved the trains and it was wonderful to see all of his smiles.  There was one train he really liked that kept blowing its whistle.  He sat and watched it for the longest time.

Regardless of the change of plans or circumstances we find ourselves in, I have to give praise to God.  He has been such a relief and comfort to us through this little experience.  I’m relieved to know that my son’s condition is temporary and he will get better.  My heart breaks for all the children who are here, that are so sick, and have future’s that are undetermined. 

I’m also thankful for the encouraging notes I received from people around the world today.  Once again I’m totally amazed how a little message on Twitter can travel so quickly and people started praying as soon as they got the message.  The prayers have certainly worked and once again technology proves to be a valid tool for changing the way the church responds in times of need.