- Conversation 1: Spiritual Mindset
- Conversation 2: Creative Intervention
- Conversation 3: Sunday School Space
- Conversation 4: Fellowship Space
- Conversation 5: Community Space
- Conversation 6: Evangelism Space
- Conversation 7: Tithe the Addition
- Conversation 8: Table Talk Cafe
November 10, 2002
The Capital Campaign Committee which was formed to plan and administer the fund raising for the proposed new church addition established a Spiritual Emphasis Committee co-chaired by Kathy Maybaum-Miller and Doug Larson. The mission of the Spiritual Emphasis Committee is to help prepare us so that our response to the capital fund drive is a reflection of our spirit rather than a reaction to just another appeal for money. The following devotional booklet is created for that purpose. The booklet is the result of conversations with several Augustana members with respect to the spiritual dimension of the proposed church addition and capital fund drive. The booklet contains a serious of fictitious conversations between two fictitious Augustana members. The characters do not represent any actual members at Augustana but the thoughts and topics of conversation do. The Spiritual Emphasis Committee would like to thank the following people who shared their thoughts on the proposed addition and capital fund drive: Betty Armstrong, Dan Friedrich, Doug Larson, Kathy Maybaum-Miller, Eric Pittenger, Don Rem, Jim Schwab, Joaquin Von Heeringen, and Elaine Worcester. Each conversation begins with a scripture passage and concludes with a prayer. We hope that this booklet will help in your spiritual preparation to make an important material commitment toward the proposed church expansion focused on "Growing in the Spirit".
In the Love of God,
Kathy Maybaum-Miller Doug Larson
Co-Chairs Spiritual Emphasis Committee of the Capital Fund Drive
Conversation 1: Spiritual Mindset
Scripture
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit, set their minds on things of the Spirit. (Romans 8:5)
August: I got a phone call from Doug Larson last night. Last Sunday he asked if he could call to listen to my heartfelt assessment of the church addition and capital fund drive. And I agreed. He explained that he and Kathy Maybaum-Miller are the co-chairs of a "Spiritual Emphasis" committee of the capital fund drive for the new addition. They will be publishing the results of their conversations in the form of fictitious conversations between two fictitious Augustana members.
Tanya: That sounds interesting. What did you talk about?
August: I explained how for the last several years I have been getting many "telemarketing" phone calls asking me to buy this, take a "free" vacation there, and donate to this cause. I have really gotten callous towards solicitations, and especially phone solicitations, and it probably will have an impact on my response to the capital fund drive. He said that the primary mission of the spiritual emphasis committee is to help prepare us so that our response to the capital fund appeal is a reflection of our spirit rather than a reaction to just another appeal for money.
Tanya: That reminds me of St. Paul's distinction between a spiritual mindset and a natural mindset which he calls "flesh". As I understand it "flesh" just doesn't mean carnal desires but our natural conditional way of thinking. In the 8th chapter of his letter to the Romans he writes," Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit set their minds on things of the Spirit. (Rom. 8:5)
August: And the flip side of that statement is what Doug was talking about on the phone. That is, those who are in a spiritual mindset will make creative decisions based on their spirit, and those who are in a natural conditional mindset will react based on past decisions, selfishness, ego, guilt, convenience, etc.
Tanya: And, it sounds like you have been doing that with recent telemarketers.
August: I agree. And I now see why it's important to talk about the expansion and capital fund drive with ourselves and amongst ourselves to discover what we believe about the church expansion.
Tanya: So why don't we just call or meet with each other from time to time to talk about the proposed church addition and the capital fund campaign and explore what we believe about the project.
August: Ok. How about tomorrow for lunch?
Tanya: OK with me. I'll start thinking more about the project in preparation.
Prayer
Lord, it is so easy to become jaded in our consumer society. Help us remember that this appeal is not just about money, but about doing your work in the world. Keep our hearts and minds open to the power of your Spirit, keep us focused on the love of Christ, and let this project be a product of that power and love. In your holy name we pray, Amen.
Conversation 2: Creative Intervention
Scripture
Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny." (Matt 5: 25-26)
August: Let's talk more about the difference between the spiritual mindset and the "flesh" or natural mindset as we called it the last time we talked.
Tanya: It seems to me that Jesus' sermon on the mount is mainly about the difference between a spiritual and natural or "flesh" mindset. Recall Jesus begins many of his sayings with "You have heard it said..." and then he quotes a law or custom, and then says, "But, I say..." and then describes a teaching.
August: Yes, I agree. And his purpose is not to provide new rules to live by but to help us realize the spirit behind the laws. He is helping us develop a spiritual mindset. Recall he said that he did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matt 5:17).
Tanya: The other day when I was reading the sermon on the mount I was particularly struck by Jesus' teaching to, "Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny." (Matt 5: 25-26). I was particularly struck by the words "quickly" and "on your way to court". I hear Jesus saying we have two options: take action or suffer the consequences.
August: I agree. And this is not just a strategy for legal disputes but in any situation we have the choice to creatively intervene or do nothing and let the situation take its course as kind of a "Que sera sera" philosophy — "what will be will be".
Tanya: And we might not like the consequences.
August: It seems that Jesus is holding up two scenarios to help us realize the difference between a "consequential" view of life and a view of life as "creative intervention". We have the ability to creatively intervene in the "events of life" rather than just sit and wait for "the consequences".
Tanya: And likewise Jesus' teaching to "turn the other cheek" is another powerful example of being able to creatively intervene in a sequence of events.
August: But we just naturally think in terms of consequences based on cause and effect.
Tanya: I agree and I think Jesus would agree that such thinking is natural but that he came so that we could respond to life from a spiritual and not natural mindset.
August: So if the natural or "flesh" mindset is a consequential mindset, the spiritual mindset can be described as an "un-consequential mindset" through creative intervention.
Tanya: True. And whenever we think about a major decision like building an addition to the church we naturally first focus on the possible consequences of such an action such as will this meet our needs or what is the cost benefit ratio or financial risks. And this needs to be done. But we often just stop there and fail to see such a project as also a creative intervention which will provide physical space and equipment which will give us and future generations tools for further creative intervention in ways that we can't see.
August: And such a creative intervention can not only meet our needs and provide resources to minister in different or additional ways now and in the future, but in the process can help free us from the rut of a consequential cause and effect natural "fleshly" mindset and help us think more spiritually in terms of creative intervention.
Tanya: And such a spiritual mindset can inspire us to continually look for new creative ways that we can minister.
August: The next time we meet lets talk about some of the new and improved ways that our addition could help us expand the way we do ministry.
Tanya: ok
Prayer
In you God, we have the ability to move not just as the wind blows, but as your Spirit moves us. Strengthen us to follow your Holy Spirit, Lord, and let it guide not only this project but every aspect of our lives.
Conversation 3: Sunday School Space
Scripture
Then each of them went home, while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them (John 8: 1-3)
August: Well the first thing that comes to mind with respect to new and improved ways that the addition can enhance our ministry is the additional Sunday School classroom space.
Tanya: I agree. Last Sunday I was at the adult forum in the southeast corner of the GA room and the High School class was meeting in the northwest corner. It was kind of like the old one room schoolhouse.
August: Why do you think we are short of Sunday School space? Are we in the middle of an unexpected baby boom?
Tanya: Well there are probably a lot of demographic facts that we could consider to describe the situation. But, if we stand back I think its just natural congregational growth.
August: You mean as congregations grow they have the need for additional space like families.
Tanya: I think so. All congregations begin with a basic need for worship space. And Augustana has been blessed with excellent worship and music space. For example, musicians and choirs like to perform in our sanctuary because of the acoustics.
August: I agree. It does appear that the order of priority of space is worship and music, Sunday School, and then fellowship.
Tanya: And I think when you first build a church that is a proper priority.
August: By "first build" are you implying that church additions are a natural part of church growth?
Tanya: They have been in all the congregations I have been a part of although I never have been personally a part of a church addition project. They either came before or after I was there.
August: Me too. So you're saying that our need for additional Sunday School space is just a natural part of church growth.
Tanya: I believe so. At least for congregations that are growing.
August: And membership growth is a natural part of evangelism as spreading the "Good News".
Tanya: Then our proposed physical expansion of our congregation is sort of a real life incarnational theology which recognizes the inseparability of the spiritual and the physical.
August: That's why we say we believe in the "resurrection of the body" in the Apostle's Creed and not just an eternal spirit.
Tanya: I agree. And therefore the spirit behind church growth is not just another "bigger is better" mentality but our desire to grow the "Body of Christ". And, the addition is not only a means to that end but a proclamation of that desire.
August: It's sort of like the Field of Dreams baseball movie theme, "If we build it they will come".
Tanya: Sort of. And like the movie they come because of the spirit that motivates people to come and not because of the building itself. Our addition and the baseball diamond in the movie are simply the physical vehicle for the spiritually motivated gathering.
August: That sounds like a good lead into a conversation on the proposed additional fellowship space.
Tanya: Let's talk about that next time. I'll give you a call later this week.
Prayer
Young and old, we yearn to learn more of you, God: the history of your church, the power of your Word, the love of your Son. Bless our Sunday School space. Let all who learn here receive the Good News with glad hearts, and help us to share that joy with more and more of your people.
Conversation 4: Fellowship Space
Scripture
Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ. Greet Mary, who has worked very hard among you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives who were in prison with me; they are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet my relative Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; and greet his mother - a mother to me also. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who are with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. (Rom 16:3-16)
Tanya: In our last conversation we agreed that additional Sunday School space was just a natural part of our congregation's growth.
August: And we noted that the proposed growth in space was not just a bigger is better mentality but an expression of our desire to expand the number of people who hear of God's love.
Tanya: Yes, and in the spirit of our last conversation the proposed expansion of fellowship space is also a natural part of congregation growth. It seems to me that a congregation needs to occasionally meet together for other than worship or education. When was the last time you were at a congregational dinner?
August: Well for the past few years several people have been meeting on New Year's Eve at the church for a dinner and celebration.
Tanya: And I hear those who have attended have really enjoyed the evening.
August: And that's a start. We're just fortunate that the whole congregation doesn't show up at the same time.
Tanya: And that's the point I have been emphasizing. We as a congregation are growing not just in size but also maturing in our needs. We are growing beyond the basic need for worship and education to include fellowship as an important part of our church life.
August: And perhaps its no coincidence that we called a pastor who has a real gift of "hospitality".
Tanya: I agree. It seems like Pastor Gorder's hospitality spirit and the proposed church addition go together well.
August: But, the practical side of me recognizes that it might not be a good stewardship of resources to build a fellowship hall for just a few congregational dinners and meetings each year.
Tanya: I agree if that's all we use it for. Let's talk about other potential uses of the space next time.
Prayer
Thank you for the gift of fellowship, Lord. The company of fellow Christians is a treat indeed, and a valued part of our spiritual life. Encourage us to play hard and work hard, our good times spent together empowering us to do your work in the world.
Conversation 5: Community Space
Scripture
And as he (Jesus) sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when he heard this, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have come not to call the righteous but sinners. (Matt 9:10-13)
Tanya: Have you thought more about how we can make additional use of the proposed fellowship hall?
August: It seems that we should somehow make it available to the community when we aren't using it.
Tanya: I think so. And it would again be a natural extension of our growth thus far. Since I've been at Augustana there have been several groups who have "camped out" in our GA room as part of an "urban camping" trip by various youth groups from various parts of the country.
August: Yes, I remember some youth groups scrambling to finish their breakfast and clean up before Sunday School started on some Sunday mornings.
Tanya: We have a good location for people from other cities to stay as part of a visit to Chicago.
August: We have also had approximately ½ of the children who attend the summer Vacation Church School (VCS) come from outside of the membership of our congregation. We also have quite a few "associate members" who closely affiliate with Augustana but still maintain their membership in their home congregation as well as offering space to outside groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous etc.
Tanya: From what I have heard, the new fellowship hall will not only be air conditioned but will have the ability to be completely secured apart from the rest of the church making it easy for outside groups to enter and leave the building without worries about the rest of the church.
August: It seems like we're starting to adopt a conscious "missionary spirit" with thoughts of providing space above and beyond what we need for worship, education, and fellowship.
Tanya: Well its not surprising given Pastor and Gordeen's missionary experience.
August: We could become urban missionaries and wouldn't even have to move 10,000 miles away. And such a conscious additional use of the building beyond our occasional use also helps my practical side justify the expenditure.
Tanya: It's interesting how just the thoughts of a new space is resulting in us beginning to dream about how we can best use it and expand our ministry.
August: Let's talk more about the spiritual dimension of the new addition next time.
Tanya: OK.
Prayer
Like a desert oasis, a church can be a welcome respite in a big city. Let this church be a destination to all who seek you, Lord. Broaden our vision for ways in which this building can serve your people - people of all ages in all circumstances from all over the world. For as we thank and praise you for this diverse setting, we remember that all are one in Christ.
Conversation 6: Evangelism Space
Scripture
For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! (Rom. 10:13-15)
August: The last time we ended with the thought that the creation of space for use by the community is a physical expression of a missionary spirit.
Tanya: That sounds like St.Paul's argument in the 10th chapter of Romans, "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! (Rom. 10:13-15)" He is pointing out that the evangelism process is about proclamation.
August: And Paul further points out that faith comes through hearing (Rom. 10:17). The evangelism process is basically about communication between those who have "heard" the good news of God's unconditional love and those who haven't yet heard.
Tanya: And I once heard that 85% of communication is body language such as voice inflection, eye contact, body motion, etc.
August: Therefore, it seems that the most effective communication and therefore most effective evangelism is face-to-face.
Tanya: And the creation of community space will create opportunities for more people to come together and proclaim and hear the good news of God's unconditional love in non-worship as well as worship related activities.
August: Amen
Prayer
As we travel through this city, we see so many churches built to your glory, Lord. And yet, the majority of your people are "unchurched." Help this building project to be a real extension of this congregation's faith and love. Embolden us to share this faith and love with those we meet, and let this building be a real tool in bringing more people to know and serve you.
Conversation 7: Tithe the Addition
Scripture
Now concerning the collection for the saints; you should follow the directions I gave to the churches of Galatia. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come. And when I arrive, I will send any whom you approve with letters to take your gift to Jerusalem. (I Cor 16:1-3)
Tanya: I do have one major concern about the addition that it will result in us focusing on it so much that we will forget about other social ministry projects.
August: Yes, I've heard others express the same concern. While the spirit of evangelism may inspire its planning, it is very easy to fall back into a natural fleshly continuous worry about how we are going to pay for it which can be a distraction from our mission.
Tanya: What if we tithed our addition?
August: Tithe our addition. What do you mean by that?
Tanya: What if we consciously redirected 10% of all the contributions we receive for the addition to a missionary fund to help others build or add-on to their church?
August: That's an interesting concept. Depending upon where we sent the money, they probably could provide as much building space as we will build on just 10% of what it will cost to build our addition.
Tanya: So in effect we could be helping build two (2) additions for just 10% more investment than the one we are proposing.
August: And we would be addressing your and other's concern about the new building addition resulting in us turning inward in our concerns.
Tanya: How do you think we could go about proposing such a proposal?
August: I think the best way is just to talk about it with others like we're talking about it now. If it resonates with the spirit of enough people the church council may formally adopt such a proposal or people may elect to individually adopt such a proposal and designate 10% of their pledge, as you have suggested, for such a project.
Tanya: Do you think that such a proposal will dilute the giving too much?
August: No. I think giving begets giving whether towards the addition project, our annual stewardship pledging, or special missionary projects like you are proposing.
Tanya: The whole will be greater than the parts?
August: I believe so.
Tanya: Well, I think I now have a way of addressing the only negative concern I felt about the addition. Thanks for your support.
August: Thanks for sharing your concern.
Prayer
We have so much when others have so little. Keep us mindful of the needs of others, Lord. As we go about growing our ministry, keep us connected to ways in which we can be supportive of other ministries as well. Join our prayers to those of people all around the world who call on your holy name.
Conversation 8: Table Talk Cafe
Scripture
But what does it (the righteousness that comes from faith) say? "The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. (Rom 10:8-10)
August: I was thinking about other possible community uses of the new fellowship hall. What do you think about making it available part of the time as a "coffee house"?
Tanya: You mean with regular open hours and staffed by volunteer and/or paid staff people?
August: Yes. We could limit it to peak hours such as afternoons and certain times of the year.
Tanya: It seems like students and faculty certainly would welcome such a space on their way to and from classes.
August: I even thought of a neat name. How about the "Table Talk Café"?
Tanya: Isn't that the name of a book which published many of the conversations Martin Luther had with his students that dropped into his house from time to time?
August: Yes. We could even provide copies of Table Talk as a conversation starter.
Tanya: It seems to me that having a coffee shop in our fellowship hall might naturally lead to conversations on spiritual matters.
August: I agree. Also if people are curious about Christianity, they might feel comfortable in dropping by our church on Sunday.
Tanya: We could also feature Equal Exchange coffee as an extension of our social ministry project with coffee growers.
August: We could donate any profits to the food pantry.
Tanya: I like it. It certainly is a natural extension of the "Lutheran Coffee Hour".
August: Yes. I've heard coffee referred to as a "Lutheran sacrament".
Tanya: Well it does give us an excuse to take some time and talk to one another. And as we talked about, face-to-face conversation is the most effective way to proclaim and hear the Gospel in the context of everyday life.
August: And, as we said, the church setting would give people the excuse to focus on spiritual matters.
Tanya: What do you mean by excuse.
August: In my experience people like to talk about spiritual matters but feel inhibited in initiating the topic in everyday settings like in the neighborhood and at work.
Tanya: And you're suggesting that a coffee house on church property will relax that perceived social taboo?
August: I think so. At any rate its just a thought.
Tanya: Well thanks for the thought. And I think it's a good one. Notice how the thought of the addition is continuing to open up the way we think about evangelism.
August: And this is an immediate benefit of the proposed addition and the reason we need to take every opportunity to talk about it.
Tanya: Have you noticed that every time we have been talking about the addition it has been over a cup of coffee.
August: Spoken like a true Lutheran.
Prayer
This building project has opened up so many avenues of Grace, God. Thank you for the excitement and creativity of growing Augustana's ministry. May your Spirit continue to fuel this project, strengthening us during difficulties, growing our faith, and challenging us to ever expand the ways in which we witness to your world. Brick by brick, let us build not just a building, but bridges to our community, each other, and to you. With Christ the cornerstone, Amen.