outside church

church marketing sucks posted this today about cornerstone church in simi valley, california. cornerstone was in the process of building a $60 million facility when they realized it did not fit into their understanding of their faith. so instead they decided to build a mulitpurpose building for when it rains and a 140 acre park that the community can use with an amphitheater in it that the church can use for worship services during the vast majority of california days when it doesn’t rain.

to quote the reasons they give for their change of plans:

1. We love the poor: People around the world desperately need aid (Romans 12:13).
2. We love Jesus: He says that He is the One suffering (Matthew 25:35-36).
3. It’s best for us: We’ll be more joyful if we give rather than receive (Acts 20:35).
4. It affects unbelievers: They are impacted when they see good works (Matthew 5:16).
5. It models Christ: Laying down our lives is how we imitate Christ (1 John 3:16-17).
6. We gain eternal rewards: God rewards those who care for the poor (Matthew 9:21).

i don’t know all the details of what they are doing but from what i do know i think they are definitely pushing the envelope. i love it when people of faith truly break the mold rather than just talking about being “extreme” or “radical.” in my opinion, other people should be the ones to use those adjectives when talking about you or your church. you should never use them of yourself – that’s one of the surest signs that you are not “radical” or “extreme.”