How big does it get?

[ZiSunka]

Originally posted by Angel75
but do they need marble entrance ways and big screen tvs in waiting area, leather couches. A customer of mine is calvary chapel and they are building nonstop, which is fine, but the extravagances are points I always consider extreme whenever i visited with them.

I used think the same way, and I still do a little.

Then I saw the beautiful Tiffany windows at the Presbyterian Church in Topeka, Kansas. The windows were quiet an extravagance back in 1893 when they were installed--$13,500! But they are awe-stricking beyond any piece of art you ever saw. I was in total awe the whole time we were there. The Bible stories came to life in a way that no other medium could do. The light permeated the glass and made you study them, really study them and contemplate the Bible passage that corresponded with them. Nicodemus coming by night because he was afraid to be seen talking to Jesus. The woman at the well, shamed yet hopeful. The deer panting for water. The baptism of Christ. All of it was very real, very believable in front of those astonishing windows.

I don't think money should be spent on crystal chandeliers and solid gold water fountains, but I am very glad that that church in Topeka spent the money on those windows. Today, they would be over two million dollars, according to the pastor of the church.

If you are very in Topeka, the church is right across the street from the State House. If you never see any other piece of stained glass, you must see these!

 

[seebs]

I think that's a good point; there's a difference between beauty which serves a purpose in the function of the church, and luxury.

 

[waterwizard]

Originally posted by lambslove
Huh? You mean, we shouldn't worry about getting people saved, we should worry more about the quality of their salvation?

No, that's not what I meant.  I might have used the wrong phrase. I mean we shouldn't worry about numbers, i.e. how many people are in the congregation, and how many we can get in the doors. 

"Quality of their salvation" -- Hmmm...maybe a subject for another thread....

I've seen pastors brag about the number of people that were saved during a service or revival, and I want to ask them to wait about six months and see how many of them are still "saved".  A lot just go through emotional experiences.  Still, like I said, maybe for another thread..

 

[shout2thelord]

Our church uses its building to serve the community its not just that we cant fit in any more. some people have already broke of and started another church but weve grown again. you can barely move in the services cos the chairs have to be close together to get everybody in. It will be hard for the church to move because they are doing a lot there, giving food to the hungry and 5minus for young children in weekdays and many other things but practically the building cant serve our needs anymore.
Even though the church is big compared to many in this country (600) they are my family and im close to all of them. our current building holds just under 300. I love just speaking and praying with them on a sunday.