Why we love O. Henry Middle School…
We see meeting at a school as an opportunity not a hindrance, an asset not a liability:
- Partnership. Through rental income for the school, teacher appreciation lunches, landscaping projects on campus, purchasing equipment both church and school can use, and building credibility and relationships with teachers and administration as we use their classrooms and facilities, we could not be more grateful and excited for this provision for our church.
- Neighborhood. Meeting at a middle school also gives us an opportunity to be a beneficial presence of Jesus to O. Henry families who live in the area.
Renting facilities vs. owning a building:
- Renting allows the church to stay mobile to respond to God’s direction for the church…whether growth or change in vision or a new opportunity becomes a better fit
- Renting allows the church to direct more of its resources outward, rather than the hundreds of thousands toward land, building, maintenance
- Renting reflects the heart of the gospel and the values of our city as “a light footprint”
- Renting cultivates a culture of All Hands on Deck…church buildings cultivate staff-driven ministries and campus service, every church I have seen transition from mobile church to campus church has lost much of its “we need everyone to serve” mentality on Sundays.
- Renting prevents people from losing sight of the true mission of the church, with very little energy is wasted on decoration or opinions…what is, is what is
- Renting reminds us that this world is not our home, we live for a different kingdom.
- Renting reminds us to be the church vs. go to church…the church is a people not bricks and mortar
- and last, but not least - no building campaigns!!
No, we are not saying we will never purchase property and own a facility, but our heart is to be a beneficial presence of Jesus Christ to the surrounding community, therefore, any dedicated facility we may own in the future will be built to bless Austin as well as being functional for Austin Bible gatherings.