From the desk of Pastor Ben:

In the little Old Testament book of Jonah, there is an interesting story many of us have heard since we were kids. You will recall, Jonah is asked to go to Nineveh to preach against their wickedness. He does not want to go because he knows they will repent and God will be compassionate towards them. Most of us remember the story because of the whale or big fish story. I have been thinking of this story in light of church and our attitude of what the role of the church ought to be.

A while back, I learned of a family who had left our church because someone (that was probably directed at me) had failed to see them during a time of need. I was not even aware of the need, but that is not the issue. Is the church designed to meet my needs? Is our primary function to make sure my family concerns are met? There is a growing trend today in evangelical Christianity that burdens my heart. More and more churches are really feeling the pressure to have the best children’s and youth ministries; the most outstanding music programs; the most convenient worship times; not to reach the lost, but to keep the found. Much of church growth is not new people being reached for Christ, but Christians looking for a church that better meets my needs.

This brings us back to Jonah. He was not interested in reaching new people. He was very comfortable with things just as they were. Nineveh, with all its wicked people, would bring a whole set of problems he was not interested in pursuing. In the Christian faith, the line to success and leadership is a serving line. In other words, too many of us are asking the wrong questions in the church. Our questions are, “Will this meet my needs? Will this serve me? Will I enjoy this? Will someone care for me when I hurt?” Not many of us are asking, “Where can I serve? How can I help? If I am aware of a concern, what can I do to make it better?”

Years ago, I heard an old preacher say that the cross is the greatest symbol of the Christian faith. But there is another incredibly important symbol which captures the message of Christ. That symbol is the towel. He was, of course, referring to Jesus taking the towel and washing His disciple’s feet. As we think about the role of the church, are we in Jonah’s camp or are we in the serving line? That is an important question for all of us to answer.