Wednesday, June 23

I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. Psalm 89:1

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. Matthew 5:14-15


A few months after we completed the construction of the West Campus steeple-tower, we received a phone call at the East Campus office. The lady on the other end of the call said she had never attended FBCG, but was calling to thank us for building the steeple-tower. She went on to tell a story about how her husband had recently been hospitalized for a very serious illness – and that there was a time when it was not clear at all whether he would survive. She said that his room at Delnor Community Hospital had a window that faced west and that as she sat praying for her husband day after day, she could see our steeple-tower out the window and it would remind her of God’s goodness and sovereignty in all things – and that she would feel a sense of peace. Her husband eventually recovered and went home – but she wanted us to know that she had found great encouragement in our steeple-tower!

Way back in about 2000 or 2001, as the leadership of FBCG wrestled with plans for the West Campus and the future of FBCG, we had many discussions about the proposed steeple-tower. Some among us felt initially that the tower was too expensive and therefore difficult to justify because it added no “usable” ministry place to the campus. Others, however, believed that the steeple would make a powerful statement to our whole community – that God is present in the Fox Valley, that he is worthy of our worship and that we, as a church, want to be a beacon of hope and truth to our region. After months of healthy dialogue and debate, we decided to build the steeple-tower – and I am so glad we did!

Whenever I read these words, “A city on a hill cannot be hidden,” I think of the steeple-tower. I think of generations of men, women and children who will spend a portion of their lives living and working within sight of our 140 ft. tower. And whether or not they ever set foot in one of our worship services – and I hope they will – I want them to know that the church of Jesus Christ is alive and well – and that God’s presence and power can be known.

I believe Jesus wants his church to be seen. I believe Jesus wants his people to be visible in their communities. Not that we are to draw attention to ourselves, or to pursue popularity or fame – but that we are unashamed of the one that we serve and want to reach those around us with his good news!

Ask God to continue to make FBCG visible in our community – not just because we have a steeple-tower, but because together we make Christ known through how we worship him and serve others. Ask God to show you how you can be a part of making his church a city on a hill that cannot be hidden!

Brian Coffey