A number of years ago, Wildwood’s Pastoral Team went on a planning retreat where we stayed in the city of Dallas. The location for our meetings was the lobby space of a large church that we thought was particularly beautiful and an apt setting for our short retreat. Because of our time at this location, my ears were tuned for comments about this church in the years that followed. On one occasion, I heard the Pastor of this church talking about how people in the DFW area will often tell him how beautiful his church is. His response? “Who did you meet?”
This response has stuck with me for more than a decade now. What a GREAT reminder!
The most beautiful part of that church was not the building, but the Body! This is true of any church … including Wildwood.
For 25 years now I have had the privilege of serving the Lord at Wildwood Community Church. Over these 25 years we have seen many changes to our facility (witnessing three major renovation or construction projects over this time that have expanded our space by over 45,000 square feet and improved the use and function of more.) Though it did not happen much early, we now often have people call and ask questions about our building or want to tour it to get ideas for their own expansion or remodel projects. The Lord has provided for Wildwood an incredible facility. I even have had people comment about how beautiful our church is. Know how I respond?
“Who did you meet!”
By God’s grace, the most beautiful building at Wildwood is not a building … it is the Body of Christ that gathers here to follow Jesus together and live for His glory. On Sunday, August 16, 2026, we have the tremendous joy of celebrating the conclusion of the construction component to our “Deep + Wide” initiative. We have added a new Fellowship Hall, new children’s classrooms, new student building with gym, a new parking lot, and a number of remodeled spaces that have been improved for their current use. Many of you have prayed for this project and given financially with great generosity. On Sunday as we gather and dedicate and introduce this new space, I want our eyes to see the building as a tool, but to look past the building to see the construction project that Jesus is REALLY doing … the building up of His Body.
In our 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 services we will pray, sing, celebrate, and dive into God’s Word to see the building that Jesus is building (which isn’t a building) in Ephesians 2:19-22. All our classes for children, students, college, and adults will also be meeting this Sunday. Then from 2-4PM, come back to Wildwood for our Celebration and Open House. This afternoon event (for all ages) is a time be introduced (not just to the new space, but) to the ministry we are trusting God to do in these areas going forward. Refreshments will be available, our staff, Elders, and key ministry leaders will be present, and you will be invited to see WHAT God is doing, and HOW you can be a part of it. You don’t want to miss this.
See you Sunday dear friends … you look beautiful.
In Christ,
Pastor Mark
P.S. Bring friends to both the Sunday morning services and afternoon event!!!! We have added space just for them!
On Sunday, August 16, 2026 at Wildwood Community Church I preached a sermon based on Ephesians 2:19-22. This message titled “The Building Jesus is Building Isn’t a Building.” Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find audio and video of the message to listen to/watch, download, or share.
