Neal Pollard
Until the Babylonian Captivity, God’s people were repeatedly guilty of worshipping idols. Since New Testament Christianity was corrupted, many have become reliant upon relics and tactile objects like crosses, beads, and pictures–mere idols that in some way supplement or replace the worship of God. But, in Bible times, people seemed to have an unhealthy reverence for the place of worship irrespective of their own conduct (cf. Jer. 7:4ff).
Is it possible to overly revere or exalt the church building today? It is helpful to understand that in the New Testament there is no clear indication of a “meeting house” beyond individual Christian homes. It is certainly permissible for the church to own and use a church building, as there is generic authority for establishing a place for the saints to meet the Lord’s command to assemble (cf. Heb. 10:25). Wise are the congregations who utilize their building frequently and fully, providing facilities and equipment to expedite doing the Lord’s work. Yet, while good stewardship is biblical and taking care of our facilities is wise and good conduct, there have been those who have elevated the building overly much.
Beware having greater emotions for “building matters” than “soul matters.” Some will shed more tears, show more passion, kindle greater indignation, and invest more energy on that which will not survive the judgment (cf. 2 Pet. 3:10) than upon those who will (Mat. 25:46). Certainly, we should care about and care for our facilities, but infinitely greater care must be shown for souls for whom Christ died! I wonder how many hours of disputes, arguments, and business meetings have been devoted to “building matters” versus plans, strategies, and efforts to win souls.
Beware spending more money on “building matters” than “soul matters.” Some have a “Field of Dreams” philosophy: “Build it and they will come.” Some think that a grand and modern enough campus is the trick to church growth. While we should put our best foot forward in whatever we do, including building buildings, we should realize that imbalance toward the material over the spiritual is not consistent with God’s desire (1 Tim. 2:4; Acts 17:24).
Beware setting a double standard of behavior, one for in the building and another for away from the building. Some have followed denominational thinking, making the auditorium a “sanctuary.” Could revering the building cause us to subconsciously think we should act one way in the building but can act another when away from it? God has no greater, fuller presence in the church building than anywhere else. After all, each of us is a “temple” of God (cf. 1 Cor. 6:19-20).
Let us take care of and have wholesome pride in our facilities. Let us treat it as if it were our own and make it last as long as we can. But, let us never misplace our priorities, putting it above people or the will of Christ.
The Preacher Pollard Blog 
In one of the congregations for which I preached, the elders decided to build a classroom wing to accommodate our growth, but were met with opposition by those who couldn’t stand the thought that a wall had to be torn down. It was almost as if the building was being desecrated to them.