Image: First Baptist Church of Dallas
Once the most recognized church in the Southern Baptist Convention, the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas has announced a renovation campaign for its downtown campus. An all glass front, soaring fountain topped by a cross and an acre of rooftop green space are some of the highlights of the project. Senior pastor, Robert Jeffress, told the church, "If Jerry Jones [owner of the Dallas Cowboys] can spend $1.5 billion to build a temple to the god of sports 13 miles away, we can build a spiritual oasis in the heart of Dallas," reported The Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
The project would require the demolition of five current buildings, all of which are aged, but will retain the main sanctuary, constructed in 1890, although its use would convert to weddings and special occasions. A glass sky bridge would connect some of the buildings, while a six story educational building would include gymnasiums and the rooftop garden.
From the church's website:
The proposed plan, designed by innovative Dallas-based architect firm, The Beck Group, will physically change the landscape of the Dallas skyline, galvanizing a clear presence of the church at the center of the city.
The 1.5 million square-feet campus, which will be certified by the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System, will take the current fortress-like buildings and create an open, accessible glass structure.
The new worship center will seat 3,000, nearly twice as many as the 1890 sanctuary, and will include modern innovations like high-definition television screens--seven of them. The fountain with ornamental cross will sit amid a shallow pool, which may also be used for outdoor baptisms.
The as of yet unapproved plan was greeted with enthusiastic response from attendees, but is being questioned by public commenters at the Star-Telegram website. With themes remniscient of today's justice aware young adults, a commenter identified as "r6346" observed:
In these times of need and suffering of the world, wouldn't Jesus be proud. And by the way, the Cowboy [sic] Stadium is for entertainment.
Another, "sarcasticallystooopid," noted:
Hey reaching a new generation is not done by blowing money of a fancy church, it's done by giving back.
"Cronopio" asked, dryly,
What's the problem? It's not as if there are any hungry or homeless people in Dallas...
The church, however, believes "the new campus will complete the circle of resources meeting the mind, body and spiritual needs of Dallas residents." Construction is slated to begin in the fall of 2010 with a goal to be completed debt-free in 2013.
Comments
Marty,
I saw this earlier and just about threw up. There is no missional thought in that church,is there.
I recently wrote an article called, "Does God prefer and order of worship or orderly worship" (www.examiner.com/x-22944-Philadelphia-Christian-Perspectives-Examiner)
This saddens me to know where the hearts are in so many Christians. Isn't there any mature Christian out there who will courageously inform and warn this church about the dangers of keeping up with the world? That they have lost their first love?
Why do so many Christians seem to think that as long as they become debt-free quickly or don't incurr any long-term then it ust be God's will? Don't they understand that Satan maquerades like an angel of light in order to devour and deceive many? For this reason,Jesus said to be on your guard and keep watch.
My grandfather and father were Southern Baptist ministers, so I have no hostility toward the Southern Baptist movement; but I also grew up in Baptist churches built by men in the church and that were small enough that members at least got to know their pastors. How does the pastor of a church this size really get to know and understand the people he is ministering to?
There's more than one pastor.
Lisa-
Thanks for your comment. I hope they aren't following Satan.
Michael-
Typically in mega-churches there are many pastors and associate staff members who are closer to the flock than the senior pastor. I don't know that this is bad in itself, but anyone wanting close contact the the senior pastor would likely need to avoid churches this large.
David-
Tums?
Between this and Dubyah's Dr. Seuss collection taking up residence at SMU, the main message is that while most of the country is trying to move ahead and become more progressive in its way of thinking, Dallas is slipping further and futher back into the dark ages. Do we really want the rest of the world to visit Dallas and the main thing they see downtown is a ginormous church from one of the most non-inclusive religious denominations?
i think first baptist (and other churches like) would make better buzz by spending $130 million on initiatives to end global poverty / AIDS / Malaria / Human Slavery / Prevent Genocide / etc.. i'd seek out a church like that, doesn't matter where they are or what they look like. i'm just saying
On one hand, the church tells the world that material possessions and wealth do not satisfy the soul, then they build a fancy building to act as a "spiritual oasis." Tell FBC Dallas to give me a call when they figure out what they really believe. I want to know how this building helps the oppressed.
The point of Church isn't to do what the world does but better, it's to do better things than what the world does. Who cares what the Cowboys do? I'd like to see how they justify this beyond the spiritual oasis, mind/body/spiritual needs junk.
I've been a member of First Baptist Dallas a long time. I was also very blessed to have had Dr. W.A. Criswell, a real man of God, as my pastor. Sorry about Robert Jeffress and his new dream monstrocity. It would appear he is seeking his own glory, not the Glory of God. I'll give my money from now on to John 3:16 Mission. Just looking at his dream bldg makes me sick!
By the way, who is footing the bill for this NEW AGE Shrine?
It would bode well for the FBC Dallas flush with 130M to spend on renovation, to use the money effectively to pay down the debt of sister SBC churches that are bogged down by debt. In my opinion, this would be glorifying God, helping your fellow men and show the world how Christians treat other Christians.
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