QUOTE(c_vanderveen @ Jun 13 2006, 08:31 AM)

Yes, churches are large...I guess I am just missing your point. Our church's mission is "to make passionate and productive followers of Christ." Having larger facilities helps make that goal more attainable.
Am I just not getting your beef with bigger buildings?
no worries, I was just ranting cause I have a pet peeve with churches and the money donation requirements some have. It seems to dillute what religion should be about - it shouldn't be about money and having bigger better bldgs ---- it really shouldn't cost that much to talk to God.
to me it seems like its a way to bait people to come in or leave another church to attend that one - whoever has the biggest best buildings - lets go there! that kinda attitude...
just my perception of it dude, its also the main reason I don't go to church anymore - most of them seem like money machines to me.
when I attended catholic church in L.A. (eons ago) - it was a simple square bldg with a pulpit and pews and in addition to the sermons, meetings and other events were also held in there - they didn't have to have numerous large buildings to get the point across or maintain membership or make more productive followers of Christ, they were able to do it with a simple small building.
I tried out a church here when I first moved in and was blown away by the huge concert type stage that was setup - it wasn't what I was expecting.... heck with the super light show and music and such I half way expected the pastor to be lowered down by wires to make a dramatic entrance - it was more of a show then a sermon and I guess I'm just not used to church being run that way - Powerhouse Pub yes, but not a church.
It doesn't make sense to me, thats not about religion - thats about money and having bigger better things and religion should be about God, not about possessions, super light shows and large buildings but I guess thats what it takes these days to get people to attend.