ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
April 26, 2022
This past Sunday, our Regional Minister (Andy Mangum) expressed his appreciation of Cypress Creek’s approach to its buildings, specifically our Community Center model. Very early in our church’s history, there was a very intentional concept woven into the fabric of the congregational identity. Buildings were not going to be worshiped or venerated, but used. As I often say, “The buildings owned by Cypress Creek don’t belong to Cypress Creek. We are only the stewards of brick and mortar that God has invited us to manage for the sake of those in our community.” Too many congregations are owned by their buildings, and when it happens, a mission of protectionism and exclusion, often approaching idolatry, is created. Yet I am reminded of the words found in Acts 7 where Stephen offers his last thoughts before being murdered, “But it was Solomon who actually built a house for God. However, the Most High doesn’t live in houses built by human hands. As the prophet says, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. ‘What kind of house will you build for me,’ says the Lord, ‘or where is my resting place?’” Architecture, like any art form, can inspire and guide a person’s expressions of faith and worship, but the moment we tie God to any specific building is the moment we stop worshiping God. At Cypress Creek, we make people the priority, and not just those who come on Sunday or give money. I believe this is exactly what God wants, like a worshipful sacrifice that pleases the heart of God.
I give you thanks, O God of the Universe, for all the tools entrusted to us for the work of ministry. May they honor you, your gift of love to the world, and the preciousness of every single human being. Amen.
