Sharpening the Axe
If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.
Ecclesiastes 10:10
Certain tools can be very helpful in accomplishing tasks. As we use those tools, they can get worn out and become less effective. So, we need to “sharpen” them along the way to keep them as useful as possible.
I have found this biblical image to be helpful as we consider making significant updates to our facility through our NEXT initiative. Our building is a tool that God has given us to use in our mission to make disciples. And it has been used effectively for a long time.
Did you know that during a typical week, we have…
- About 2,000 people on campus on Sunday mornings
- About 150 children in our Mother’s Morning Out and Weekday Preschool programs
- Weddings and Funerals in our Chapel
- Bible studies that meet both in classrooms and in the Gathering Area
- Various sports leagues that are open to our community, including around 1,400 people on campus each Saturday of Upward Basketball.
Did you know that throughout the year, we have…
- Over 10,000 people on campus for our Christmas Presentation
- Senior Adult game days and monthly dinners
- Groups and ministries from our community and around the state that have meetings, trainings, and events in our building
- High school commencements
- Athletic practices for schools in our area
So how’s it been going? In the last five years…
- We have celebrated 326 baptisms
- We have welcomed over 600 new members
- We have sent out 133 mission teams and given over $3.6 million to missions
Of course, that hasn’t all happened because of the building! But the building has been a helpful tool as we have gathered in it to worship, preach the gospel, grow in the faith together, be trained, build new relationships, and invest in old ones.
We are at a point that, in order to keep our facility effective for the next 20-25 years, we need to “sharpen the axe.” We need to get some new equipment, update some areas, and reconfigure some spaces. Why? To reach the next person. The next family. The next generation.
Hosting Community Events
Jesus said that to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). The Lord has entrusted our church family with incredible resources, including our building. Even as we look to update our facility, I am thankful for all the ways we are currently able to use it.
Covenant Care Adoptions Benefit. This past Tuesday, we hosted the Annual Benefit for Covenant Care Adoptions. About 400 people were here for food and fellowship in the Gathering Area and a great program in our Worship Center.
ACE Choral Concert. Next Thursday, we will host a choral concert for the Academy of Classical Education. Hundreds of people will be in our Worship Center and will receive a warm welcome, hear the gospel from one of our pastors, and then enjoy a great concert.
Cross Roads Recovery Banquet. On Thursday, October 8, we will host a banquet for Cross Roads Recovery. Our Multi-Purpose Gym will be filled with people supporting that ministry and celebrating what the Lord is doing.
With the affection of Christ,
