Lamenting In A Time of Change

When we decided to renovate our church building, everyone was excited...until we realized what we'd lose.

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man and woman in hardhats looking at remodeling a room

In January of 2021, I was afforded an interesting opportunity with a local church. It was at this time—after considerable contemplation, meetings and prayer had taken place—that a decision was reached to undergo construction. The purpose would be to radically update interior portions of the church.

On the surface one might assume that the choice to renovate was well received. However, as someone who was a part of the church council during this time, I can tell you that the aforementioned assumption is quite wrong. Yes, some parishioners were excited about the proposed changes. However, those in favor of this major overhaul were quite the minority. To put this into perspective, the recommended changes would affect 90% of the building’s interior.

  • Walls would be torn down
  • The ceiling would be elevated
  • Vibrant colors of all sorts, would be added—giving the interior a fresh new look

Again, the renovation project might not seem terribly significant. However, this church was built more than five decades ago. In an effort to preserve the rich history of the church, no changes had ever been made to the sanctuary or other parts of the interior.

Additionally, the majority of today’s active parishioners are in their 70’s and 80’s, and have a long history with the congregation. In my conversations with them, I was touched by the many stories I heard about how their children—now in their 40’s and 50’s with children of their own—freely and joyfully used to run down these very halls as preschoolers and elementary school age children! This season of change would be a season of nostalgia, lament, and sadness for many.

In our preliminary meetings, we discussed ways of gaining buy-in from parishioners. I realize that no two churches are exactly the same. For one, it might be fitting to undergo renovations. For another, preserving the original construction is the most prudent decision. My primary role, during this time, was twofold: 

  1. To help facilitate the building project meetings
  2. Provide pastoral care to those experiencing grief related to the construction project

Discerning A New Mission For A Changing Neighborhood

As younger families were beginning to move into the area surrounding the church, the leadership team decided that providing updates to the interior might possibly aid in attracting some of the younger neighbors. As conversations ensued, before a final decision was made, I was struck by a comment made by an older parishioner.

“Sometimes in order to experience great gain, one must first experience great loss.”

In essence, making major renovations was a form of stewardship for the parishioner. He asked himself this question: How do we take what is in our possession and use it to achieve a maximum benefit? For this parishioner, experiencing loss was worth the potential gain of a new generation of believers.

It is true that many parishioners would experience the loss of something familiar. However, it is also true that these changes could result in a new generation of believers forging relationships with each other and the current members, worshiping the Lord Jesus Christ together, and raising their families within the walls of this same edifice.

So, let’s remember the wise words of that parishioner: “Sometimes in order to experience great gain, one must first experience great loss.”

My desire is that we prayerfully ask, “Is there something that I possibly need to give up, in order for a greater return to take place in my life or in the lives of those around me?” As we continue in this holy season, let’s remember God—the Creator’s willingness to experience loss by sending Jesus Christ to dwell among humanity and provide the ultimate sacrifice for humanity.

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