We have such a dilemma here in Atlanta with historic churches in the vicinity of the building plans of our new billion dollar Atlanta Falcons stadium. The churches are in an uproar because in the new plans they will have to move. Not close…but move. City officials are ready to make offers and move forward.
The church community is speaking out with their perspectives on what should be done.
Some are saying, “Those are God’s Houses, don’t touch them.” Others are saying, “God’s House is not made of brick and mortar but God lives in you.” Then there are some saying, “History should not be tainted or moved” while others are saying,” We must move forward into the future.” This state of affairs proposes several options. As I look deeper into this situation among the city leaders and the churches I believe there is a lot to be considered as we move forward.
Here are a few questions that come to mind as I personally look at what is at hand.
1. How will the entire community benefit from the expansion of this new stadium
2. How effective are these churches in that community and what kinds of improvements could happen for the vision of these churches as a result of this expansion.
3. Is it possible for both churches to take their offers and come together progressively and build one church to serve the same community in a new place?
4. Who really looses in the community if the church stays where they are?
5. Who really wins if they move and expand?
Growth is always hard because we all become complacent in our minds and settled upon a certain way that things should happen. Several scriptures come to mind as the opinions are being reviewed, the bible says in Proverbs 29:18 that “Without vision the people perish.”
I would dare to explore what vision these pastors and churches have for this community and if taking the offers and coming together with the expansion of this new stadium would cause the community including the churches to be progressively beneficial…could an innovative vision be birthed among the churches that could potentially make history again in this community. Growth hurts sometimes but Isaiah 43:19 says…” Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”
Lastly, what are the “spoils” of this fight/battle? What is the Cause to fight for and what are the rewards after winning? Lets all continue to pray and seek the Lord for answers on what God’s will is for this community…God’s will is perfect. And sometimes it’ takes us to grow out of mindsets to grow into His will…
