David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

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In 1968 Jerry Snell opened a door in the hallway outside our first hour chemistry class. He invited me into what I discovered was a darkroom. Soon I was on the school newspaper and annual staff as a photographer. Later I learned that Jerry was a Lutheran who was planning to become a pastor. A few years later I was not only a Lutheran, but I was heading off to seminary to become a Lutheran pastor, too. Jerry followed a year later and served as a pastor in Missouri until his untimely heart attack and death. I thank God for Jerry and enjoy photography still today – not to mention rejoicing in having served as a Lutheran pastor in congregations in Utah, Colorado, Arkansas and Texas. I’ve retired now and serve part time as a Congregational Support Specialist for the Texas District of the LCMS. I also provide coaching and leadership training through various PLI cohorts and with individual congregations and organizations. David Bahn is a follower of Jesus Christ, husband to Diane, father and grandfather. He is an avid amateur photographer. His photo website is “Flowers by God Photos by David” He also publishes a devotional blog DavidBahn-Reflections.com. He and Diane live in Cypress Texas and enjoy visiting their grandchildren who live in the United States and Germany. He graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in 1979, and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1991. Diane, his wife, is now retired from PLI (PLIleadership.org). They have offered presentations on Marriage and Ministry Partnership, Leadership, Changing Your Congregation’s Culture, and Missional Living. They look are working with PLI International training pastors and wives of the ELVD Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania. David’s personal mission statement is “Leading people to realize Jesus’ calling and plans for their lives.”

In Praise of Bricks & Mortar

Ezra 3:11

And all the people responded with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.

Acts 2:46–47

Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.

St. John Lutheran Church - Cypress, Texas - Worship Center

St. John Lutheran Church, Cypress, Texas – Worship Center

It’s rather in vogue these days among some to decry the waste of money spent on bricks and mortar for church buildings. The real church, they say, is people, gathered around the word of God, and scattered into the world to spread the gospel. Indeed the marks of the church are the word of God and the sacraments. Only a few select groups attach any meaning or necessity to a specific building.

While that is true, Jesus himself gathered in the synagogue in Capernaum. He and his disciples were in the temple courts. And even though Jesus prophesied that the temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed, such destruction was the judgment of God on a wayward people and a sign of God’s displeasure of how it was used. The problem isn’t the building, the problem is how the building is used. God seems to care quite a bit about how buildings dedicated to his glory aid or distract from our worship of him.

I can identify very well with the people of Ezra’s day. As our worship center building took shape I was excited and thankful. Today when we walk into our worship space, I am inspired. The design and aesthetics of the space remind me of God’s grace and goodness. The building isn’t an end in itself. It is a place for people to gather to encourage each other and glorify God. It is a place from which we go to join Jesus on his mission of grace. It is a space for education and edification. It is a place to which we may point people as a location for ministry.

I don’t really want to praise the bricks and mortar. I really am thankful, however, for the way bricks, mortar, wood, and steel have been combined to give us place and space to glorify God and serve our community, and from which we may go into the broken world with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

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One response to “In Praise of Bricks & Mortar”

  1. Maury Dodson Avatar
    Maury Dodson

    Great review of what our church is all about, thanks David

    Reply

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