The Sacred Value of a Magnificent Sanctuary
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord. ”
For years people have asked me why Christians need a church. If Christians need a gathering space, why do we need a fancy Sanctuary and expensive building? It is a legitimate question that deserves a heartfelt yet rational response. Christians are called to live in a community unlike any other. A church is considered a spiritual family where support is offered, worship is shared, and teaching and mission occur. Therefore, any church family larger than a dozen requires a larger space.
The second argument is why a lovely, expensive building is necessary. The answer is multifaceted. A church family requires room to teach many different ages. Mission in many forms takes place within local church walls. Yes, all this could occur in a pole barn, but it wouldn’t last for a hundred or more years, like a well-built church.
Finally, spaces are not arbitrary. All areas have their personality and power. The Harry Potter movie series would not be successful if the school were in a strip mall. Sanctuaries come in different sizes, ages, and styles. The look of the Sanctuary is not as important as the worship space taking on the identity of the type of worship taking place inside. God can be honored in many ways. The key is to worship God in a space that honors God with integrity. Our worship space was built to provide an experience of awe and spiritual wonder. Awe and wonder are missing in many places, and worship in a school auditorium or theater can be meaningful. Still, it gives an entirely different experience from a Sanctuary like ours. The opportunity to experience Divine awe and wonder should be available for anyone searching for the mystical aspects of faith.
Today, reaffirm the legitimacy of traditional churches and their sanctuaries. Next, meditate on the many ways church buildings have made a difference in the local communities they serve. Then, get specific. Think of the ways your congregation meets the needs of those within the congregation and those in the community. Then reflect on how you experience God’s presence in different Sanctuaries. I guarantee they provoke other expressions of the Divine. Thank God for all the people over the decades who have loved God so much. They’ve given a portion of their income to the furtherance of the congregation’s future. We sit in a worship space provided by our church family ancestors. Now, we do the same for those in the decades to come.
