Thanks John!

Steve,
I share your concerns and they contributed to my hesitation. However, I also envision existing buildings used redemptively to serve the neighbors around them rather than serving a visiting congregation.

Ryan,
I love what you guys are doing. Did you have some sort of financial backing for getting started?

A couple years ago I was exactly where Grace is now. My wife and I, and some friends found a building, leased it, remodeled it (from absolutely zero) and now we’re running it as a radically hospitable social venue smack in the middle of a historic college town nightlife district. Don’t do it unless God says go… the only tools we have had at our disposal is miracles. It’s been amazing.

http://www.thecoredowntown.com

Well put.

In my mind this statement is right on;

But somehow, it doesn’t seem to stay there. The building ends up being the point of connection, and it takes on “sacred” meaning. In a negative way.

It can be very difficult getting past of Wolfgang Simpson’s Point +1 .

Tom

That seems confusing to me, the author! So let me explain:

I think the fact that there is a stigma associated with church buildings is not necessarily a bad thing because it should serve as a red flag to us. The stigma is certainly well-earned (ouch!) and I think does more to reflect the reality of building-focused ministries.

On the other, I am so “building-shy” at this point in my journey that I want to say, “Don’t get caught up in it!” Someone above already mentioned the “stigma” associated with “church buildings”, and I’m not sure that stigma is entirely a bad thing.

I think that, like I just mentioned in another thread related to the intentions of leaders, the intentions and thoughts and desires might all be quite good and focused on what Father wants to do with/for/in his children.

But somehow, it doesn’t seem to stay there. The building ends up being the point of connection, and it takes on “sacred” meaning. In a negative way.

I humbly suggest that for all of us who have had these fantasies (you are most definitely not alone in this one, Grace), it is more a reflection of our desire to somehow reform our past traditions, rather than embark on the path of something completely new.

I’m not convinced that the ministry of Jesus was one of reforming past traditions. I rather think that his mission was one of turning old traditions on their heads. Yet, in our institutional expression of Christendom, we have continued the very traditions he sought to disrupt.

Rambling thoughts, and certainly I can’t claim to be completely God-inspired in them Take it for what it’s worth, Grace. Your under no obligation to just accept my thoughts.

You have taken a step of faith even to share this “crazy” dream. Thanks for having the courage to do so! Now that you’ve seen just how “un-crazy” the idea is, and how many other have been given the same vision…Run, grab it! i have been mulling over and incubating a very similare dream, a small church-like building that would house a wellness center that offers hospitality and support to people going through a cadre of life changes (cancer, divorce, chronic illness, etc.) and also networks with local aith communities to teach them how to reach out and offer healing to the broken with whom we share community. The kingdom of God reuires envisioning, preparing and planning. (Matt 25) I’M IN!

ruth,
Your comments are encouraging to me for remembering that this isn’t something that I have to make happen. I can just step into whatever God has next for me. Thanks for sharing and I’ll be sure to keep you posted if anything comes of this.

I just wanted to add that it’s not that I think you should stay out of it – God is definately showing you for a reason. But a visionary has a gift of casting a vision, sharing a dream with others, and it just catches on and other people end up picking it and running with it. You know…like yeast.

Maybe you will be doing some of the work – but when God dreams it – you don’t have to do all the work. I think your job is mostly to cast the vision that brings hope and creates initiative in others.