While I was down in Palm Springs I took time to review the church profile that is in its final stages of completion. How fitting it is that it will more than likely be posted very soon as we approach Pentecost, the birthday of the church. As I was reading I was remembering a story I heard years ago…
A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons who were ages five and three. The boys began to argue over who was going to get the first pancake. Mom recognized the teachable moment and said, “If Jesus was sitting here right now, He would say let my brother have the first pancake.” The five year-old turned to his little brother and said, “Hey, little buddy, you get to be Jesus today!”
Pancakes or no, to me the essence of the message of is the celebration of Jesus in our midst. The spirit of Christ is alive, calling us to be his people of light in a world of shadows. This little pancake parable also depicts another dilemma, namely what we want versus what is right.
At the Search Committee several weeks ago, members dealt with a list of priorities as to what the church is looking for in a new minister…a good preacher speaker, a person of faith, works well with children, etc. The list hasn’t changed in thirty years. The “wish list” is pretty all-inclusive, and almost impossible to prioritize, but prioritize they did.
It made me think that I wish there were a reverse profile for churches. For example a minister could say…I am looking for a church that is willing to take extreme risks to follow Jesus, to be a beacon of light in the community. I seek a church that is focused on mission and outreach. I’m looking for a church that is not steeped in tradition and comfort as much as it is looking to embrace a new future.
For now, we are still in the Easter season, a time when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. I think it would do us well to consider this little pancake parable as we consider the resurrection of this church.
Think about it….
Jarv
