Church Architecture 101
Written by Ed Allen
Sunday, 10 June 2007 13:27
Sermon Notes
Architectural design involves the manipulation of space, volume, texture, light, shadow, and abstract elements in order to achieve an aesthetic end. Right architecture grows out of the function and the nature of the project.
What is the nature of the church?
It is a community.
- Jesus started it as a small group.
- He made their relationship to one another top priority. Whole of law and prophets summarized in love God, love one another.
- The word church means ?gathering?.
- Acts 2:42 ? devoted themselves
What is the function of this community?
It is a society for the advancement of love ? both internally and externally. That is, its members love one another with a love that comes from God and they export God?s love to others outside of their membership.
- Paul, John, Peter all said ?love one another.? They said it because Jesus said it.
- Jesus made love the distinguishing mark of those who follow him.
- John 13:34-35
- This is the emotional/spiritual architecture of church! To build a church, we have to build an environment that promotes love and distributes it.
- What we hope to build on Gum Springs Road is a building. We are building the church here.
- Kathy B. is building the church as she keeps vigil over the hospital bed of a dear friend in Christ.
- Tim W. is building the church as he sends out emails looking for accountability from trusted co-strugglers.
- Jeff D./Eric K. are building the church as they attach steps to the back of my house so my wife won?t have to leap out of my backdoor.
- Maria C., Hallie C. and Tammy J. are building the church as they stop in the street in front of their houses and pray.
- Jeff B. is building the church as he stands stinky and sweaty in the back of a movie van handing boxes and couches to a long line of Gateway volunteers.
Where/how does this process of love-advancement start?
It starts with leadership.
- Acts 6 -- From the earliest chapters of Acts leaders are set aside.
- Titus 1:5 ? Clear that Paul?s habit was to establish elders in every town where a church was established.
- This leadership was based on character.
And how does leadership function?
It serves.
- Jesus ? Mark 10:45 ? not to be served but to serve.
- 1 Peter 5:1-3
- Elders and deacons -- word deacon means ?servant?.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU TO SERVE
- VBS/sports camp
- Equipment team
- Short term missions (giving to Casa)
- Take someone to lunch (today, this week)
Service finds its highest expression in giving.
- Mark 10:45 Jesus gave his life. We give our time energy and money.
- Short term missions (giving to Casa)
- Give to the budget.
- Give to UTSG.