GREENVILLE, S.C. — Grace Reformed Fellowship confirmed this week that its central air conditioning system has been nonfunctional since April 12, with church leadership citing the doctrine of divine sovereignty as the appropriate theological frame for the situation.
The system, installed in 2007, failed during a Sunday morning service. The failure occurred during the third point of a sermon on Ephesians 1, which elder and lead preacher Dr. Kenneth Marsh, 58, noted was "perhaps not coincidental."
"God ordains all things, including the things we find uncomfortable," said Marsh, who has served the congregation for 16 years. "The question is not whether this was in his plan. It was. The question is what he intends to accomplish through it."
The congregation, which meets in a 220-seat sanctuary and averages 180 in Sunday attendance, has continued to gather as scheduled. Marsh said attendance has remained stable, a fact he attributed to the congregation's theological formation.
An HVAC contractor assessed the unit on April 15 and provided a repair estimate of $11,400. The estimate has been reviewed by the finance committee. The finance committee has submitted the matter to the elder board. The elder board has agreed to pray over the decision.
"We're not in a hurry," said Elder Marcus Webb, 44. "The Lord will make clear when the time is right."
South Carolina temperatures are projected to reach 88 degrees this weekend. Sunday's sermon will address Romans 8.