What Difference Would it Make really?

Last post I mused that a new home for Cornerstone would not be the solution or salvation or even the secret ingredient to move our congregation forward.  It's important to remember that God's plan for his church has never been about buildings or meeting places.  Often, these things have gotten in the way of the true mission of the church.

Never the less, there are good reasons why a church in our situation should look for a home.

1.) A place  we can call our own establishes us in the community.  It communicates that we belong, we are financially committed, we are willing to put down roots. It says our intentions are to stay and serve.

2.) A home base gives us exposure.  While visibility does not guarantee success, it does cause people to sit up and take notice, provided we are in a noticeable location.  "Where is your church" is the most common question I get regarding Cornerstone.  It is always best to think about the church as a people and not a place, but that is not how most people in our culture think.

3.) A place in the community we can call our own allows us to share those resources.  When we share our resources with other Christian organizations we become partners in the gospel message - the one thing we have to offer that no civic organization does.  When we share our resources with civic organizations we partnership with that organization's mission and show our love for the community.


4.) A place we can call our own allows us to develop unique ministries.  Initially, it even encourages them.  Already, we are thinking about events and activities we can organize around our new place during the week or weekend.

Would having our own space really make a difference?  In some small ways it already has.  There is a buzz about things on Sunday morning.  There are already plans for new ministries.  There are discussions taking place in the broader community about what might be happening with Cornerstone.  Ultimately, my hope is that this enthusiasm for new things would really be about an enthusiasm for the proclamation of the gospel.  If that happens, our new place would have a huge impact for all of eternity.