Disneyland In Dallas

One of my favorite churches has announced its intentions to build a $130 million building in the heart of "Big D."

140 year old First Baptist Dallas is undertaking a massive makeover of its aging facilities. Its worship center dates back to the 1890's. The church occupies prime real estate in the heart of downtown. In fact, over the years, they have faced the temptation (and offers) to move out of downtown and build facilities somewhere in the 'burbs. But they weren't budging.

I appreciate churches which "live" in the downtown area. Many of them face and have faced changing demographics, neighborhoods, and declines in size and giving. Many simply give in and relocate to "where the people" are or simply close their doors, like City Methodist Church in Gary, Indiana. (If you want a chill, look at that thriving congregation and beautiful building in 1967 compared to its state shortly before the building was slated to meet the wrecking ball.)

I pastor a church located in a downtown area. Once the church was set in the heart of commerce and population. Over the years, however, many people moved away from the downtown area, businesses closed or relocated, and decline set in. Reversing the pattern of decline is a challenge I and my church face in our location and one the City of Sulphur faces as well.

The City has made firm its commitment to downtown Sulphur. It recently remodeled a downtown building for a new City Hall. A building across the street from it has also been remodeled which will house city services and permit offices in a "one stop stop."

Another trend I have observed is that in many places people are returning to live downtown. Loft apartments are being fashioned from old warehouses and storefronts. Many cities such as Lake Charles, just over the river from us, are attempting to "revitalize" downtown with visions for new stores, apartments, and attractions.

So I get it and appreciate it when a church remains committed to stay in the heart of the city despite the obstacles. They choose to buck the trends, grit their teeth, and face the new challenges they face in their ministry settings.

First Baptist Dallas, home of pulpit giants George W. Truett and W.A. Criswell, refused the leave downtown Dallas when it well could have. Over the years, it, too, has faced declines in membership, giving, and influence.

I am not going to judge that church on whether it should be spending the money when it "could be giving to the poor." Neither will I comment on whether the magnificent building is a good way to breathe life into the "old gray lady." I am not going to say what they should do in their setting and culture when I live 300 miles away and have not grappled with the issues involved. Jesus taught us that we were not to judge another man's servant anyway. I am responsible before God as to how I lead our own congregation. And no one who has not grappled with the issues of being the church in a rapidly changing culture in general and a unique ministry setting in particular could possibly make the call.

I did, however, learn a long time ago that buildings do not reach people. People reach people.

If FBC, Dallas believes under God's leadership that it needs to spend $130 million to reach its city and remain a thriving, viable congregation in the heart of the city, then I bless their decision. Have you been to downtown Dallas lately? Sure, it has its share of urban blight. But, like the nearby new Texas Stadium, they do things bigger and flashier in "Big D."

What would George do? In his pastorate, he led First Baptist Dallas to be a prominent congregation with international recognition.

To do that, he had to seek God's leadership, build, and change. Don't we all?