Overseeing the Building and Grounds
Leith Anderson
Church facilities have the potential to distract, or to communicate an unwanted message. At their best, they can glorify God and invite people into Christian fellowship.
—Leith Anderson Whenever I attend another church, I notice what the surroundings communicate. If the bulletin says, "Hymn—to be announced," or if the sermon title is missing, it suggests that worship may not have been properly prepared. Likewise with the building and grounds: if the exterior doors look weathered, or the parking lot stripes have faded to invisibility, I wonder how much people care about their church. Little things say a lot. And the seemingly minor elements of our building and grounds also say a lot, particularly to newcomers. For example, during the week groups that use the sanctuary sometimes move the American flag and don't think about how it's put back. But during worship a visitor may be bemused that the eagle atop the staff is facing backwards. That illustration may seem silly, but the point is that church facilities have the potential to distract, or to communicate an unwanted message. At their best, they can glorify God and invite people into Christian fellowship. The Pastor's Role
As pastor, I have been involved in minor building-and-grounds decisions, for example, the placement of mirrors in the hallway and the size of brick for the building. Some people wonder why I fiddle with such details. In essence, they're asking, "What is the pastor's role in the building and grounds? Should pastors stick to leading worship and preaching, or should they also help decide the color of paint in the nursery?" ... 1. Delegate responsibility but demonstrate interest. During a major building project, I may spend no more than half an hour a week on it. ...
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