Is the Word of God expressed in buildings or are buildings also a sign of wealth awaiting the faithful response of a people?
In December 1952 Highland established a policy of “no commercial use of their building.” In June 1954 before the sanctuary was fully completed, they began making plans for the Activity Building and stated that it was to be an instrument of mission and not just a possession. The clear intent was that it was to be made available to the larger community to provide meeting space for groups who were seeking to be of service to the community.
It is rare that a week passes where there is not some announcement in the local newspaper of some group meeting at Highland Presbyterian Church. Up until 1995 none of the groups were even asked to contribute in return for their use of the building. Even in 1995 the contribution requested of community groups was a small portion of the cost to the church of providing heat and lights. The Word of God was given visibility in a “man for others.” What does the larger community see in a church which is generous with its facilities for the sake of others?
It is said that Jesus talked more about money in the Gospels than any other subject. And much of his concern seemed to be directed at the way in which money can enslave a person. Money can become a god which demands obedience rather than a gift by which we can serve God. The concern for money can take a higher priority than faithfulness in determining a church’s decisions. In Matthew 6:24 Jesus says: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
