Why Do We Think it’s Time to Build?
God has been faithful to Grace Rancho. We know that his Word is able to save and sanctify, and we have seen this happen over the last several years - in both ordinary and extravagant ways. We are grateful for God’s grace and eager to see how he continues to work through us.
In August of 2023 we launched our Making (More) Disciples building campaign. Now here we are in 2025 with a full sanctuary and visitors every Sunday. What should we do? We believe it’s time to build - pending we hit some financial milestones.
Why do we think this? I have a practical reason, a theological reason, and a general reason.
First, a larger building would be practical. Right now, our bathroom situation could charitably be called “cozy,” and while we value relationships, that’s not the kind of intimacy we’re aiming for! It’s not practical to have to use an overflow seating area in the lobby or outside. These challenges are not the most important thing, but they can present real difficulties - especially for mothers of young children or visiting families. We’ve (mainly Michael) become experts in creative chair arrangement. A larger space would serve us, the community we’re trying to reach, and future generations more effectively.
Second, there’s a theological reason we think it’d be good to build. While many growing churches are quick to add a second service when the room gets tight, we are convinced that the church is a gathering. It’s more than a gathering, but certainly not less. Adding a second service would prevent the church from ever gathering all together, and functionally create a second church. This is why we’re committed to one assembly. This conviction does not make life for us more convenient - but we hope it helps us be more faithful to carry out the responsibilities God has given us as a church. Our commitment to one assembly means rather than alleviating the pressure of a full sanctuary by adding multiple services, we think it’s a good time to seek to expand.
Third, there’s a general reason for why we think it’s a good idea to expand our sanctuary. Consider Jesus’ teachings about the talents. The master gives one of his servants five talents, another two, and the third receives one talent. When the master returns the servant who received five now has ten. The servant who received two made two more and has four. But the servant who received only one doesn’t improve it. He gives back the same talent just as it was before, and is rebuked for being wicked and slothful. The master says, “You ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest” (Matt. 25:27). The principle is simple: whatever Jesus gives us must be returned to him improved. If the Lord gives us a vacant lot, we want to return it to him as a beachhead for gospel advance. Why do we think this building project is a good idea? It’s good stewardship of the land God has given us.
It’s already been two years since we launched the Making (More) Disciples Building Project, and today there are new members and attenders who have not heard much about it at all. With that in mind, from now through the end of the year we’ll be doing our best to communicate the heart of the project. Be on the lookout for articles and podcasts. On November 23rd we’ll have another night thanking the Lord for his provision while looking ahead. We’ll have an event to provide more practical help for the many of you who want to give but are unsure where or how to start. We also want to provide more specific details about what it will take for us to get to where we need to be in order to start.
Please take a moment today and pray for our church. The Lord has given us so much blessing and our desire is to steward it well for his glory. And keep in mind: our greatest desire as a church is not that we meet our budget goals and build this thing. It is that we are faithful with all that Christ has given us.
“You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:11).
