What's "In Store" for the Church?

Php 2:20 For I have no one like-minded [as Timothy], who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.

Are you a stakeholder, personally and genuinely investing yourself in the health, growth, and ministry of the local church? Do you have “skin in the game,” so to speak, with a significant sense of responsibility for the success of the congregation to which you belong?

We live in a consumer-oriented society, in which spectators and onlookers window shop (often online!). If they don’t like what they see, they move on to consider other options. Such an attitude can easily affect Christians. We may become consumer-shoppers rather than owner-operators who have a real stake in the church’s progress.

Let’s compare the church to a store. Who might we see when we shop, and what do they teach us? And where do we place ourselves?

First is the browser. He or she is “just looking,” maybe not even for anything in particular. The browser has no stake at all in the store but just stops in from time to time when it’s convenient. If the salesperson offers too much help, the browser may feel pushed and decide to leave. If the store should close, the browser loses nothing. It's even easier to move on when the browser is shopping online.

Second is the customer. He wants or needs something, perhaps several things. He’s looking for good selection, low price, and solid value. If he finds all that at the store, he may make a purchase. If he does not, he will move on. He may be unwilling to pay full price and wait for a coupon, sale, or clearance. If going out is inconvenient, he will shop online from home. The easier and cheaper, the better. Like the browser, his livelihood does not depend on the local store’s success or failure.

Third is the employee. He punches a clock, does what he is paid to do, collects his pay, and leaves. He does not have to come early, stay late, or even enjoy what he does. He looks at what he gets in return for what he gives. He may stay at the store – unless and until another boss offers higher pay, better hours, or greater benefits. He has some degree of loyalty, but he may still be looking at options.

Fourth is the manager. He is in charge of tasks, people, and schedules. He has been with the store for a while. He has accepted more responsibility and received more rewards. He feels more loyal to the owner and the company. He may be on a clock, but he will come and work just about anytime he feels that work is required. He is trustworthy and reliable. However, if he becomes discouraged by difficult circumstances, daunting challenges, or demanding people … the owner will need to find a replacement.

Finally, there is the owner. Unlike the others, his life is to a huge degree wrapped up in the success of the store. He cannot afford for it to fail. He is tireless in his efforts. He loses sleep, puts other things on hold, and invests all that he can in making the store the best it can be. His name, his character, and his reputation are all connected with the progress (or lack of it) that occurs.

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Of course, Jesus Christ is the only true owner of the church. I’m just using “owner” here to represent any faithful servant who seriously invests his or her talents in the effectiveness of the local church.

What’s “in store” for the church where you are? That depends to some extent, perhaps a large extent, on you. Who are you in the “store?” What is your role?

Are you the browser, the customer, the employee, the manager, or the owner?

Don’t just show up! Instead, step up, sign up, and speak up! Invest in, and be about, the Father’s “business!”

– Cory Collins