Having a portable setup at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts and The Factory has many benefits. It has been a great move for us since we moved back in August of last year, but there is definitely some challenges that come with renting the venues.
Obviously, the biggest challenge of being portable is the weekly setup and tear down. That's just part of it. It's something we knew and are prepared for each week. That's why our setup/clean up teams are so important to us. They literally make Life Church happen every week. If they don't show, we don't have any LifeKIDS rooms, Guest Services, worship team equipment and more. Thank you setup/clean up teams!
There are other challenges that come with the setup, but it's nothing we can't overcome and work through. It's just part of being portable. People ask me weekly, "What about building a church?". That'd be great, but right now it's not on our radar. We feel God has provided the amazing venues at the Factory and Theater so we can realistically attempt to reach as many people as possible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With the theater and The Factory we really have no limitations in terms of growth. The theater holds 1,500 and the Factory can accommodate a huge amount of LifeKIDS classes. Also, financially it is more effective for us to rent the amazing facilities and not dump those funds into a building or piece of property.
Does this mean Life Church will never have a permanent facility? Honestly, I don't know. That's up to God. Many of the largest growing churches in the country are portable. I'm talking thousands and thousands of people meeting in these churches in portable facilities...schools, movie theaters, cafeterias and auditoriums.
The thing for all of us at Life Church to remember is that WE ARE THE CHURCH. The CHURCH is NOT a building. We are the living breathing people of God. We are His chosen and our responsibility is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to as many as possible. Thank you for being a part of Life Church and supporting and praying for the work God is doing in and through you, your family, and our church body. Greater things have yet to come!
Patrick
When Anxiety Attacks
7 years ago
2 comments:
awesome words pat...great reminder that the church is not a physical location, but it is the body of believers. we are chosen and we are left with the responsiblity of sharing God with others!
Great words! Thanks for reminding us that the church is not a building, we are the church. Keep up the great work.
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