SermonStudio

Jane Moschenrose

Our church of 100 active members was in a dilemma. We had sold our large building years ago, because its maintenance had demanded far too much of our energy and financial resources. If we remained in the office space we had rented for the past six years, we would be financially solvent, but unable to do much ministry during the week. We rarely had visitors in worship, because it was difficult to find our rented space, and frankly, we rarely invited our friends to church because we were embarrassed that our worship space didn't feel or look like a sanctuary.

Our realtor had spent two years searching for either an existing building, or property, on which to build a new facility, and everything available was either too expensive, or in an area that wasn't geographically central for the majority of our current membership.

Finally the realtor found a piece of property that met our needs. The church leadership quickly made an offer, while securing a 120 day "due diligence" period in which to decide whether or not to go through with the purchase. We spent these months in much prayer and discussion. We all agreed on two things -- the location was perfect, but the price tag was not. There was no way we could both buy the property and build a church (at least, one that was larger than a small house) within the next five years and still maintain the conservative financial strategies we had used up to this point. If we stayed where we were, we would die as the membership died or left the church. If we risked everything we had financially, bought the property, and put a church building on it, we would have about four years to double in membership and financial giving before going broke. Either decision held major risks, though the former was more familiar and sure. We agreed on one other thing: We could not accept the limitations of our current situation.

What to do? We prayed, and prayed, and prayed some more, seeking God's guidance. Over the course of time, we held many meetings together, hoping that one or more of us would perceive a clear word from the Lord. We were getting nothing. Finally we were nearing the end of our "due diligence" period -- we had to decide whether or not to buy the property.

We scheduled a congregational meeting, and right up to the moment we walked into the meeting, neither the lay leadership, nor I, had a clear understanding of which direction to go, despite our faith and trust that God would give at least one of us an answer to our prior persistent prayer. None of us knew which way we would vote; we offered a highly optimistic prayer that the congregation would reach consensus by the end of the meeting, even though the leadership had not been able to ascertain God's direction.

The meeting began in the usual way, with prayer and then a review of our journey up to that point, the information we had about the property, and the different possible scenarios of our financial situation if we bought the property. It was clear to me that, humanly speaking, buying the property was sheer insanity -- financially speaking, there was no way these 100 generous-hearted people would be able to finance this venture. It was also clear to me, however, that God is not limited to that which is humanly possible, practical, or comfortable; therefore, common sense was not to be the measuring stick in this decision. I trusted that God's guidance would become clear in the meeting.

After several persons shared a variety of opinions and considerations, one of our members -- usually quiet at meetings and very cautious regarding finances -- walked up to the microphone, and began to list the names of former members who had passed on to glory, and their faithful activities and witness in the church. Many of these saints were relatives of those currently in the room. He concluded his talk by encouraging us to move forward with the purchase. From the minute he began to speak, it became apparent that we were receiving the word of the Lord for which we had so fervently prayed. The energy in the room became active and united, and from that moment on, there was only positive input as to what we should do. Consensus was obvious; we took a private paper vote to make sure, and all but one agreed that we were to go ahead with the purchase.

We all left the meeting in awe of what had happened -- it was so obvious that the Spirit of God had filled that room, we haven't been the same since! We have grown tremendously -- spiritually, and as a community -- bonded to the mission of Christ. God has been so faithful -- less than two years later, we are worshiping in our new church building, and now have visitors in worship every week. God is good.