Church Leaders Need Our Prayers

Q:

Our church just started a big campaign to raise money to renovate our building and add some new youth facilities. But I'm not sure we ought to be doing this, and I don't want to support it. I like our church the way it is


A:

I don’t know your church’s situation, of course—but if your pastor and your church’s leaders felt God was leading them into this project, I hope you’ll seriously (and prayerfully) reconsider your opposition.

As part of this, take time to discover why your church’s leaders feel this project is important. For example, you mention that they hope to provide some new youth facilities. Does this mean your church is attracting a growing number of young people? Or that young families with children are moving into your community? If so, you should rejoice and do all you can to encourage it. One of our greatest challenges today is to reach our young people for Christ. Paul said to his co-worker Timothy, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young” (1 Timothy 4:12).

But I also hope you’ll examine your own heart and mind, and ask yourself why you don’t want to support this project. Is it because you want to hold on to your money? Is it because you want things to stay the same and never change? Face your inner motives honestly—and ask God to help you put His will first.

A church building is only a tool for God’s use. Thank God for your church and its witness, and pray for your pastor and your leaders as they make decisions about your church’s future. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. … Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14,16).

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