A Midweek Devotional from Pam Benedict

Towering above us, the church steeple stretched 530 feet into the sky like a sword pointing to heaven. Against the grey, cloud-filled backdrop, the gothic structure loomed large, and we craned our necks for a better view. We had traveled to Ulm in southern Germany to see the tallest church in the world.

Inside, I stood in awe. Stained glass windows told stories from Scripture, glowing like jewels. Marble statues of biblical figures lined the aisles, while intricately carved wooden panels adorned the walls. The sheer scale and detail were overwhelming. How could something so massive and beautiful ever be built?

I walked to the far wall and laid my hand on the cool stone—blocks cut with care, stacked precisely, one atop another. And that’s when it hit me: this wonder wasn’t built all at once. It rose one stone at a time, by one worker at a time, one day at a time.

Construction began in the 1370s. Townspeople dug foundations by hand, hauled tons of stone, and made architectural plans long before cranes or power tools existed. While we know the name of the architect, Heinrich Parler, the names of the countless laborers have been lost to history. But each one mattered. Over 513 years until 1890, generations of masons, glaziers, carpenters, painters, and artists gave themselves to a project they would never see completed—working faithfully for the glory of God.

That same spirit of building appears in Scripture. In the Old Testament, God gave Moses and Solomon detailed instructions to build the tabernacle and temple—structures of great beauty for God’s glory. But in the New Testament, Jesus talks about a very different kind of construction:

“I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” – Matthew 16:18

The Church Jesus is building isn’t made of wood and stone—it’s made of people. Paul and Peter echo this:

“You are God’s building… no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”(1 Corinthians 3:9,11)

“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house…” (1 Peter 2:5)

Every believer is part of that structure. Each one has been given spiritual gifts—not for personal enjoyment, but to build up the church (1 Corinthians 14:12, Ephesians 4:12). Every role matters.

Recently, I tried to make a list of the people and gifts that help make Bethany Grace Fellowship what it is. I’m sure I missed some, but here’s just a glimpse:

• Nursery workers who cuddle babies
• Greeters who welcome with a smile
• Teachers who open God’s Word with clarity
• Kid’s Club helpers who lead games and crafts
• AV teams managing sound, lights, and video
• Baristas brewing coffee and building community
• Musicians who lead us in heartfelt worship
• Counters and budgeters stewarding our finances
• Life Group leaders guiding discussions
• Maintenance teams fixing doors, painting walls, shoveling snow
• Social media teams extending our message online
• Missionaries taking the gospel around the world
• Drivers helping others get to appointments
• Encouragers who send cards and texts
• Prayer warriors interceding behind the scenes
• Youth leaders who show up week after week
• Pastors and elders who shepherd with love and care
• Every unseen, unnamed servant who shows up, gives, cleans, cooks, builds, and prays…

Sometimes it might feel like your role is small or unnoticed. But which stone in the foundation would you remove? Which pane of stained glass would you leave empty? Which shingle on the roof could you do without? Every part matters.

When even one gift is missing, the reflection of Christ in our church dims a little. When someone drops their shovel or stone, the load gets heavier for someone else. But when each person shows up—offering their gifts, their time, their love—we become the Church Jesus envisioned. A church that reflects His beauty to a watching world. A church that endures from generation to generation until He comes again.

So thank you—to each of you who serve, give, care, build, and pray. You are seen. You are loved—by your Heavenly Father and by your fellow laborers.

And together, we are building something beautiful.

One stone at a time.