When Pastor Lane Scruggs of Oak Park Church of Christ had a moment to pause and reflect on the last 12 months of renovations, he was grateful.
Grateful for the project itself and the new foyer that allows for lots of programs.
Grateful for the new office areas and meeting rooms.
The space for a bigger kitchen and nursery.
Grateful for the way God provided the money that was needed – through the generous giving of the congregation and the government grant money.
But it was his comment about being grateful for the way people practiced their spiritual gifts that caught my attention.
Throughout the renovations, Lane saw key people who uniquely contributed to this sort of renovation project.
He saw people who thrived in these sort of situations.
Some people provided constant encouragement.
Others cheerfully and generously gave.
Some readily used technical skills that were needed for the construction project.
Others were happy to come along and do the grunt work.
Some could see the overall picture and keep the project on course while others paid close attention to the details.
It was the body of Christ working and exercising their spiritual gifts together.
Lane was encouraged that people caught the vision.
The renovations are more than a new and improved building.
This newly renovated building allows the Oak Park congregation to better serve their community and love their neighbours.
It’s all about the gospel.
Photo creds: Yunus Tug (Unsplash)