After a few minutes the server approaches the table with a smile and a brief introduction. The server then proceeds to describe the daily specials as the man listens intently:
"Sir, today we are offering a special on appetizers. We will have small group registrations at the welcome center if you would like to join and we have a Sunday school class that would fit your demographic perfectly. Would you care for an appetizer today?"
"No thank you," the man replies. "I really am more interested in your entrees today. A friend of mine said your worship music is fantastic. I think I will give that a try. I just want to make sure it is not too bland or too spicy."
"Of course, sir," says the server. "We are sure you will be pleased with the way our worship is designed to make everybody happy. Maybe you might be able to try some of our preaching as well."
"OK, as long as it doesn't upset my stomach too much. I don't have much tolerance for preaching that will hang around for a while after the meal, if you know what I mean. What about your youth ministry? I have heard some good things and I'm considering coming back later and bringing the rest of my family."
"Sir, you will not be disappointed with our youth ministry, I promise! The kids menu is fabulous as well. Our menu is designed to make the entire family happy."
"Alright, but I do have one more important question. How much is all of this service going to cost me?"
"Well, it is interesting that you ask. We used to expect people to just give everything they have for such great service, but we realize that is a bit unreasonable. All we ask is that you give 10% so we can keep the menu going. We really don't want to ask more than most people are willing to give."
"Wow! 10% seems pretty steep. I'll have to think about that before we come back again. The Baptist restaurant up the street is the same price, but they have much more extravagant services to offer."
The server tells the man, "We are here to serve you. Just let us know how we can make you happy and we will do our best. We will not ask any more of you than you are willing to contribute."
"That's good to hear! As long as you make me feel like the most important customer here, I will keep coming back."
"Thank goodness, sir! We couldn't continue without customers like you!"
The server then moves away to the next table while the man feels a sense of pride. He has done his service to the community today. This restaurant is stronger and better today because he is here and is a great customer.
The VAST majority of church-goers think of church like this. They truly believe the church is there to serve them. They think the staff is there to meet their every need. We have created a consumer mentality in our churches. Is it any wonder that we have to beg people to commit to service? Is it any wonder that we struggle to get families to make church and service a priority in their lives?
Its not about you. It is about God. It is about serving others. Quit being a consumer and start making disciples!
Great story! Did you write it?
ReplyDeleteThe church was never designed to placate people for their wants or needs. They only need a believer (or seeker) should have when coming to church is to experience the risen Christ. There's a need for grace, forgiveness and salvation which all come from experiencing Christ. When we let the wants of the church attender to drive the focus and vision of the church, we in effect have switched the focus off Christ and onto the something other than Christ, us.
Christ did come to "seek and save" the lost. He did this by entering humanity to fulfill man's greatest need, salvation from our sins. He did not come to give us a great multimedia worship presentation that keeps us entertained. (The entertainment industry does a pretty good job at this.) He comes to offer Himself and that should be why we gather as a community of believers, to experience HIM!
Yes, this one is an original story. Your comments are right on!!!
ReplyDeleteThat story is good enough to be published somewhere. I'll give your number to my agent.
ReplyDelete