Sometimes the hardest question a congregation can ask is also the most faithful: Is God inviting us to become something different?
Often, that question begins with something very practical: the building.
Church buildings were built to serve ministry. But after decades of faithful use, maintaining them can become an increasingly difficult part of a congregation’s life. A roof patched one too many times. Heating and air-conditioning systems well beyond their expected life. Plumbing and electrical systems designed generations ago that can no longer keep up with how the building is used today.
One repair leads to another, and suddenly a growing share of the congregation’s energy and resources is going toward keeping the building operational rather than supporting the ministry taking place within it.
The building isn’t the ministry. The building exists to serve the ministry.
That doesn’t mean it is time to leave the building—or that a congregation’s ministry is ending. But when maintaining the building begins to dictate what ministry a congregation can afford, it may be an invitation to pay attention.
Is our building still serving our ministry? What would the next major expense for the roof, HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems mean for our congregation? Are we making those decisions intentionally, or simply responding to the next emergency?
Recognizing those questions early creates room for discernment and possibilities.
The Oklahoma Disciples Foundation is here to walk alongside congregations as they begin those conversations and consider what faithful ministry might look like next.
Because building what’s next is easier when we build it together.