04-25-26

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
April 25, 2026
You are going to be hearing more about it in the weeks to come, but we will need to replace the flat roof above the Activity Room. As you have seen over the years, it has leaks. Long story, but before I arrived at the church, that roof was replaced… but replaced incorrectly (the company went out of business almost immediately). So we’ve been making it work, but there are now patches on top of patches. We can’t wait any longer. 

All this has had me thinking about Jesus, who visited the Temple but never even discussed the prospect of constructing any sort of building for his ministry. He probably had to resole his sandals a few times, and even more importantly, he lived much of those last three years of life on the generosity and hospitality of others. I am one who believes we need to look at some new models for how to do church, including building use. And it might need to begin with the uncomfortable question of whether or not the current model aligns with what Jesus had in mind.

At the same time, I find Cypress Creek Christian Church’s model of Church and Community Center to be brilliant. We have a Quaker Community that meets on our campus on Sunday mornings, and this summer, it’s looking like we might have another church that will use space for a period of time. In the past, there have been other churches and even other faith traditions that have used space. I applaud our church, especially those who instilled from the very beginning a wide open welcome into the DNA of this place. A lot of churches claim a generous hospitality until the first scratch on the wall or the first spill on the carpet. Then the unwelcome signs go up, both real and implied. 

What does this have to do with a roof? I don’t know about you, but growing up, when someone was coming over to our house, there were certain things that had to happen. Shoes that were often left at the front door needed to be taken to our bedrooms; unfolded laundry needed to be folded and placed in its proper drawers; a vacuum needed to be run; the AC was dropped a degree or two (in the winter, the thermostat was pushed up just a little); and Mom reminded us of what good manners looked like, including letting our guests have first choice of the chicken being served. This often meant I got the south end of a chicken flying north. 

Our home was always just fine as is until guests were on their way, and then we picked up our game… and our bedrooms. At the church, we are not fond of leaks and stained ceiling tiles, but we put up with stuff because, at the end of the day, it’s about the people. But guests are on their way, and we want everything to be at its best. I would go as far as saying that God has called us to be a place of radical hospitality, always making ourselves ready as guests are on their way.

Gracious God, Mighty in Mercy and Goodness, provide us with a clear vision of your welcome and kindness made real in Jesus. Let this vision be the inspiration for our lives. Amen.