As far as feeding the hungry goes: FBD does feed the hungry. We also give shelter and jobs to homeless. We provide sonograms and prenatal care for uninsured, struggling pregant people. All of these things are done on a weekly basis through various programs and through the time given by members and ministers alike. These things are very important to the church but are not the most crucial. The church exists to glorify God and to expand His kindgom while on we are all on earth. This is why we preach the gospel and ask for people to respond during invitations. So what that we are thinking on an eternal level in addition to our current one?

Linda, I’m not quite sure which service you are going to because as someone who participates in all three services we are quite full. I hope that you find somewhere that you can plug into and find that communion again.

I shuddered when they displayed the renderings of the new sanctuary. It immediately made me think of that monstrosity in Houston–Lakewood Church. What I truly don’t understand is why they need a larger sanctuary. I attend services there every Sunday and the sanctuary is at best half full. I am often the only person on the pew where I usually sit. Occasionally there might be one couple who sits on the other end of the pew. More often than not, the pew in front of me is empty. The lovely, historical sanctuary they have now seems more than adequate for the current level of attendance, and could easily accommodate more people.

What also distresses me are comments made by Dr. Jeffress on several occasions. He told the congregation during one of the Sunday evening services that one of the conditions of his accepting the pastorate at FBC Dallas two years ago was that they would build a new church campus for him. During one of the “Ask the Pastor” sessions a few months ago, he said that he “felt God had brought him to First Baptist specifically to build a new church”. He was speaking of the building campaign, not building the body of Christ. These comments made me very uneasy.

Some of the buildings in the campus are quite old and can no longer be used. I can understand why those need to be either renovated or replaced altogether. What I cannot understand, what I cannot fathom, is why it has to be such an expensive, extravagant project. They were almost crowing with pleasure when they said that this was the most expensive church building project in modern history. Where is the humility of Christ? Why does it have to be such a landmark project? Why can’t they simply repair or replace the buildings that can no longer be used, but do so in a more modest way? I just truly don’t understand.

I realize this is a rather long and rambling comment. Please forgive me. I have not been able to discuss my dismay with anyone. Every single person I have spoken with at FBC Dallas over the last few months is extremely enthusiastic about this project. No one sees it the way I do, so I have simply kept quiet.

I am deeply saddened to say that after attending Sunday’s service, where they unveiled the building plans, I do not plan to return to FBC Dallas again. I feel quite lost and utterly adrift. Church communion is such an important part of my life. I don’t know what I’m going to do now.

That can’t possibly be right, can it?