Dallas Church’s Aquarium Featured On National TV Show
75,000-gallon aquarium at International Body of Christ Church showcased on episode of “Tanked”
A dramatic 75,000-gallon, salt-water aquarium greets worshipers at the Inspiring Body of Christ Church (IBOC) in Dallas. The aquarium was the dream of IBOC pastor Rickie Rush turned reality by Fort Worth design/build company GL Barron Company, which specializes in worship facilities and faith-based communities throughout Texas. The end result is so astounding it was showcased on the Sept. 2nd episode of “Tanked,” a new series on Animal Planet.
“To be recognized in this way is exciting,” says GL Barron founder and president Greg Barron, “but that’s not our goal when we start projects such as this. Our goal is to create a special experience for the congregation, no matter how big or how small.”
For Barron, the idea of turning the entry of a church into a 90-foot aquarium was just another opportunity to showcase the company’s creative talent.
“We are known for our ability to come up with unique solutions no matter the size of the project,” says Barron. “So when Pastor Rush approached us with the idea, our answer was ‘of course!’”
The aquarium was actually just part of a $40 million project for Barron which designed and built the entire 176,000-square-foot worship facility that is the cornerstone of the 36-acre IBOC campus. More than 7,500 members and visitors attend services at IBOC each week.
The aquarium was constructed simultaneously with the building and took just over two years to complete. The installation, which was done by Las Vegas-based Acrylic Tank Manufacturing, required two cranes and 10 workers. Inside are more than 80 species of salt-water fish. Three full-time staff members care for the tank.
Being featured on “Tanked” is just the latest recognition for the GL Barron project, which over the past year has received the following honors:
• TEXO Distinguished Building Award for Design Build over $30 million
• State AGC Award for Best Design Build Project over $30 million in 2010
Reader Comments
ADD NEW COMMENTShame on so called christians, that invest into their own pleasure instead of praising god in a practical way, too many orphans, homeless, and sick people out there...stop sponsoring mega (usless) churches.
Posted by Yuriy on 11/25/2011 report abuse
When you meet Christ and he asks how many people you led to a relationship with Him you will have to answer for yourself. If this "attraction" attracts even one lost person to visiting this church just to "see" then how do we know this wasn't God's plan. If the Lord put it on the heart of this pastor to place something in his building that would draw in the lost, many of you are guilty and will be judged as you have judged.
Posted by Dee on 10/28/2011 report abuse
i bet that more then half the people that go to church now a days had to site on a sheet in the dirt or just be in the 85 - 90 degree heat, they probably wouldn't even go! its funny, comfort will win over Jesus almost every time... can i get an a-men
Posted by george hempknots on 10/24/2011 report abuse
And ALL the GLORY goes to GOD !!!!
Posted by Dee on 10/07/2011 report abuse
I am sure the church members were shown the plans for the tanks and had ample time for comment & review. If the membership, who supports this ministry decided they wanted a fish tank, then what right does anyone have to make such negative comments. Jesus had to deal with this issue when Judas felt the woman was wasting such expensive ointment on His feet. He felt it could be pt to much better use. Jesus felt otherwise and said so. Take care of your ministry and keep your comments to yourself.
Posted by Long Time Church Member on 10/02/2011 report abuse
I was beside myself when I saw this tank, and the build, on tv. $40,000,000 would sure feed a lot of hungry poor people! I've always had problems with some churches and the need to project a certain look using expensive materials. I grey up in a church where we spent sunday in the school gymnasium -- and it was one of the best churches I've ever gone to! I think these opulent displays are exactly the opposite of what The Word says we should.
Posted by Jeff on 09/28/2011 report abuse
Also,, Read read read.. the tank did not cost 40million.. yiou are all so quik to judge.. The entire project cost 40 million thats the building of the church and all.. You have to be in Dallas and know the works of this man and how iboc thinks BIG.. Remember that glass house you live in? be careful of the stones you throw.. Man Rickie Rush, IBOC Dallas loves you God loves you and so do I
Posted by Torrance Locke on 09/28/2011 report abuse
Not So impressed... Hey I am a former member of the church and that is a good Body.. How dare you say things about the congregation.. What type of christian Does that.. Why dont you call Pastor RUSH AND MAYBE TELL HIM OF THE DONATION YOU NEED.. tHAT IS WHERE YOU START... wE LOVE YOU "notimpressed.. I definately am impressed with IBOC and the Tank..
Posted by Torrance Locke Dallas Tx on 09/28/2011 report abuse
The motto of IBOC is 'Fishers of Men'. My understanding of the vision for these tanks is that they are representations of life at the entrances building. They also remind you of one of our purposes in serving God, to be fishers of men and bring others to the Kingdom. Also, the marine biologists are volunteers and this article has the name of the church wrong.
Posted by IBOCMember on 09/27/2011 report abuse
WRFD880 radio in Columbus Ohio is raising money for Bibles to send to African people who are starving for the word of God.This would have made a nice donation to the Bible league to help your brothers and sisters not so Blessed as you.I wonder how many of that congregation come just for the fish tank and are pridefull of going to a church with so many riches on display.You did one thing right, you put the cross at the bottom of the ocean instead of on top of your establishment.
Posted by Not impressed on 09/23/2011 report abuse
Fish tank or no fish tank this Church is awesome! Our God is an awesome God!
Posted by shawn on 09/20/2011 report abuse
Has anyone thght to seek first an understanding before judging? Ask yourself these questions. What is the vision of this ministry, IBOC? Cld the tanks somehow represent the vision? Our God is a BIG with BIG blessings on his mind. Do you know how many people and churches this ministry helps? Please stop judging. Speaking in ignorance. Jealousy and envy is not of God. Plz keep your mouths off the women and men of God. Matthew 4:19. Everyday we shld be fishing to win souls to Christ. Be blessed.
Posted by servant on 09/19/2011 report abuse
Are people insane! This is exactly like Lakeview spending $100 million on their church. Has anyone read about the Church of Laodicea? Everything that can go wrong with the USA is going wrong - every number is trending the WRONG way. And all we care to do is have more "stuff." So very SAD. - Rabbi David Miller, Luke 24:44-45
Posted by RabbiDavid526 on 09/17/2011 report abuse
40 million dollars? how many people could you help with $40M? in Texas you could buy 1 million outfits or 2700 nice cars or 267 really nice homes or help start 250 small businesses or make 40 new millionaires ... but I guess someplace for people to spend 2% - 4% of their time with a nice fish tank is probably better
Posted by Halo Industries on 09/16/2011 report abuse
Our church is in the middle of building a new 1000 seat building and are being modest but not cheap in construction. Our cost is $180.00 a square foot. Do the math, this project is around $227.00 a square foot; not out of reason at all for a large project. We probably would not say anything at all if they spent an extra million on a 100 foot tall spire or granite entryway. Think of all God did to make this world unique and beautiful! Why not let His creation do the same.
Posted by Mark Blaede on 09/15/2011 report abuse
This is VERY cool! Way to be creative with what you are passionate about. To the naysayers: God is good. He has lots of money. And I'm sure he doesn't mind people who are already responsible and probably reaching out to more people than we can imagine to use some of His money to care for His creatures. He loves them too.
Posted by karinmeesh on 09/15/2011 report abuse
The post states that the entire project was $40 million, not just the tank. I'm sure we all could find some other "better" use for this church's money, but the real question is what are you doing for the Kingdom with the resources you have been given? The leadership of this particular church will be held accountable for their stewardship, but I would hate for my own stewardship to be found wanting while I am casting aspersions on another's.
Posted by Odell on 09/15/2011 report abuse
I hope that this was done with the intent that it bring in more lost souls and that God will use it in that way. It is a tremendous example of poor stewardship if it was done for any other reason than purely to further the Kingdom. I will say to others, do not be too quick to judge this congregation, as you can not know the heart behind this aquarium. Only God can. My hope is that this does not become an idol to the church.
Posted by Rev2220 on 09/13/2011 report abuse
3 full time staff and a 40 million dollar fish tank. wtf. how about 40 million dollars to help get some of the poorest people in the world out of poverty. the only thing this accomplished was was making a bunch of people that don't have a relationship with Christ feel like they are going to heaven because they spend two hours a week in a really fancy building with nice music a great fish tank and a decent speaker.
Posted by Tim Johnson on 09/11/2011 report abuse