EDITORIAL
Forward Leading | Mark DeYmaz
In the fall of 2002, our church plant was just over a year old when a 78,000-square-foot former Walmart in the community we had been led to serve was listed “For Lease.”
So, I called the listing agent, asking “How much is the monthly rent?” He replied, “$18,000,” and I quickly hung up. At the time, we were paying just $600 a month to meet on Sunday nights in a nearby church.
Months later, though, I sensed the Holy Spirit nudging me again to call. This time, I didn’t ask, “How much?” I asked, “What if?” and outlined the possibilities for the space.
That one question changed everything. By reframing the conversation, I was able to negotiate a lease for $3,200 a month.
In the summer of 2003, then, we moved into the space and remained there for the next 12 and a half years. The time allowed us to mature in every way as a congregation. In 2012, we purchased a facility of our own, and in 2016, we transitioned into it: a 96,000-square-foot former Kmart.
In 42 years of full-time ministry, I’ve witnessed countless pastors ask, “How much?” But in my experience, the better question is, “What if?”
“What if” is the language of possibility. It unlocks not only real estate but real opportunities for missional vibrancy and impact. It invites bold thinking and encourages leaders toward faithful risk.
• What if we could revitalize an underserved neighborhood through works of justice, compassion and mercy?
• What if we could leverage congregational assets to generate sustainable income?
• What if we could transition from homogeneity to become a healthy multiethnic church?
To be clear, there’s a fine line between faith and foolishness. But I’m convinced that asking “What if” is a key component of effective, visionary leadership. Indeed, it’s not wise to refuse to consider opportunities when the Holy Spirit is prompting us to explore them.
The truth is, it costs nothing but time to dream, make a call or to otherwise be curious. The worst that can happen is someone says no or visions fail to materialize.
But what if someone says yes? What if a small step taken leads to something even greater?
Bobb Biehl, a seasoned executive mentor for nearly 50 years once said, “Often, corporate executives wonder, What if we fail? More rare are those who wonder, What if we succeed?
Two years ago, a 32,000-square-foot building next to our church became available. I told the realtor, “We don’t want to lease. We want to buy.” I envisioned apartments upstairs for unsheltered people and businesses or nonprofits below that serve the community.
Soon, the purchase price was set at $5.5 million, far more than our own building is worth—despite our building being triple the size.
In time, I next offered $1 million verbally. They countered at $2 million. Later, I offered $500,000, and they came back at $1 million.
As of two weeks ago, my latest offer is free and they’ve come down to $500,000.
So, what if God intends the building for us? What if the owners gift it as a donation? What if we could acquire it for the good of the community?
Someday, we’ll know for sure.
In the meantime, what I know is this: Such things are not even possible unless we ask, “What if?”