How Will the Demolition of the Parsonage and the 8641 Property Help Jerusalem’s Mission?

Jerusalem Expansion Committee Update - The New Jerusalem

“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1). If you take a few moments to look around and admire the wonders of God’s creation, it is pretty humbling. God is truly the Master Planner of everything and He, in His amazing grace and wisdom, has provided and gifted us with more than any of us could “ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). Jerusalem has been and continues to be a recipient of God’s gifts-a beautiful church, a school building, a parsonage, and 3 additional properties. Much time, hard work, and dedication has been put into these properties to maintain them. So if God gave us these properties, why would we consider tearing down 2 of them?

First, let’s remind ourselves of Jerusalem’s mission. Our goal is “serving a diverse community with the unique message of Christ’s love.” The goal of Jerusalem is to reach as many people as possible with the gospel of Jesus, not acquiring and maintaining properties. Destroying these properties will actually help Jerusalem by creating more time for ministry. Both properties require maintenance which takes time, manpower, and resources that are limited. Think of how much time it takes to maintain your own property. Now multiply that times six. Not only do those properties have to be maintained, but the church and school needs to be maintained as well. Eliminating those 2 properties will create more time to focus on Jerusalem’s mission. 

Second, the demolition of the parsonage and the 8641 property will provide the called workers an improved work-life balance. Also, the called workers who no longer live in those properties will be receiving a housing allowance that will cover the cost of their home. Called workers can then build equity with their own property. They can also abide by their own rules since the house is their own, and they will be responsible for maintaining their home. 

“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1). Let’s really ponder that. Whether you spent 15 years or 15 minutes maintaining either of these properties, in the end, they are God’s, not ours. All the hard work, resources, and time were well worth it at that time, but now Jerusalem needs to move forward and use our resources “serving a diverse community with the unique message of Christ’s love.” If the only way to expand our building, which grows Jerusalem’s ministry, is by building north, then we trust that God will bless it.

So let’s address the elephant in the room. How much is this going to cost, how are we going to pay for this, and what is the plan moving forward? Check out next week’s article to find the answers to these very important questions.

Also, Jerusalem Members and School Families will be invited to attend a special meeting on Sunday, July 13th, after church. This will be an informational meeting where the Jerusalem Expansion Committee will give a detailed presentation on the Jerusalem Expansion Plan. Mark it on your calendar and plan to attend. See you there!