Tina and I have been searching for a home. It is hard to believe that we have been in the parsonage for over 10 years. There are some differences or advantages to both renting & buying as well as some disadvantages.
| Home Ownership | Renting |
| Build equity
Have to make own repairs It is yours (eventually) Make updates as you want Selling can be a headache Upfront costs See as investment |
No maintenance cost
Lower rent (sometimes) Be careful not to damage property Can’t always remodel as you want No equity Easy to end contract – not a long term investment The house isn’t yours |
You get the idea. I have had a pretty nice deal, low rent and the church has made updates.
How do you see Union Chapel? Are you a renter or owner? Think about it. Is this your church home or just a place you attend? There is a difference. You see, if you are a renter, you are just putting in the time until something better comes along. If you are a part owner here, you see the eternal investments and want to partner with those endeavors. You are willing to put the effort into the areas that need help or that you want to ‘upgrade’ because this is your place of worship and you are proud of it.
The church (Body of Believers) talked about in Acts, met together regularly, shared everything, broke bread together and learned about the Gospel together. Look at the church of Antioch in Acts 11:19ff. This church was large and people ‘owned’ it. Vs. 29 – “the disciples, according to his ability, decided to provide for the brothers living in Judea…”
In the words of Pastor Mark (listen to this week’s sermon), they were “ALL IN”. They weren’t renting. They invested in Church Ownership.
Are you renting or part-owners in the church at Union Chapel? Is this your church and are you willing to do your part to make it succeed? Are you investing in the Kingdom work through this place?
**Owning the church doesn’t mean you can be the church boss (dictator) – that everything has to be ‘your way or the highway’. We are part owners in that we must compromise with many things – carpet color, sanctuary design, worship style, which Bible study is used by the women’s group, etc. However, we don’t compromise the Gospel!
