Look closely at the front page headlines from the Rapid City Journal March 19, 2015.
“Earth stands still as basketball takes over”
All I can say is “Really???”
Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy a good competition. There is a lot to be said for teams striving for that title (whichever one is being sought at the time) and the fierce competition that goes along with it. The thrill when that final shot from way past half court goes through the basket to force an overtime period. The excitement of that goal-line stand that defeats the sure winner. The roar of the “12th man” on the team that drowns out the ability for the opposing team to effectively call their plays.
The result of whatever competition/ tournament, or series of competitions is, at best, a temporary and fleeting thing. It brings bragging rights, and probably some totally ridiculous level of monetary gains and losses. The “winner” will get trophies and accolades that last for a few months - or at least until the next round of competitions start. The “loser(s)” will be dissected and analyzed over and over and over again. Careers will likely be enhanced or ruined based on the outcome. NASCAR, the Master’s, the Super Bowl, March Madness - this applies to them all.
Yes, it’s exciting. But on a scale of “…the Earth standing still??” I think not.
What would happen if Christians would bring this level of intensity to the Great Commission? (see Mark 16:15 or Matt 28:19) What if every Christian wore their “team jersey” proudly for all to see, so there was no question about where he / she / we stand? What if there was so much competition for “seats” that we had to add more capacity to our churches, or be so sought after that we needed additional venues and meetings to accommodate everyone that wanted to participate? What if we were so “on fire” that virtually everyone would want to join with us?
Our church has just started a Missional Church Consulting Initiative (MCCI) program. Through this effort, we will take a deep (and possibly disturbing, controversial, or uncomfortable) look into our missions, activities, resources, and priorities. Our purpose will be to align our policies and priorities, as a congregation, with those outlined in the Holy Bible. We will likely start new initiatives, and pare others down or even totally redirect those resources. We might have to make some really-close-to-our-heart decisions that may change worship structures, times, or focus. There are times during this process when we will surely become extremely uncomfortable!
Unlike the temporary title won or lost by a sports team, our goal is winning souls. And THAT, my friends, is eternal, not temporary! I pray that we can approach this with a fervor that equals or exceeds what we would put into following a tournament. Become an active player, not a sideline observer!
