From June/July 2015 Bethel Bell Tower newsletter
But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
~ Matthew 6:33
Vicki and I enjoy watching TV … it’s a guilty pleasure. We recently stumbled upon a reality show on CNBC called “The Profit” (www.cnbcprime.com/the-profit). I admit … I wasn’t excited about watching it when Vicki first told me friends of hers recommended it, but we gave it a try. It’s about a successful businessman named Marcus Lemonis who helps struggling businesses become profitable. At the beginning of each show, Marcus gets right to business as he talks with the business owners and staff to figure out why it might be failing. In each episode, the viewer sees the passion and vision the owner had for starting the business in the first place. Inevitably, Marcus returns to a very simple formula that he relies on: (1) he has an unswerving focus on profitability, and (2) he analyzes each business through his “3 P’s” – people, product, and process. As Marcus analyzes the business, he uncovers problems in one or more of these areas – the owner may not be focused, the people may not be the right people or they may require training, the product may require tweaking, or there may be misunderstandings or miscommunication about the process. Each episode we have watched so far involves some level of conflict between people: the leaders may be in conflict, are thinking too small, are trying to keep another person happy, or don’t have the skill or motivation to do their job. I find it fascinating that Marcus is not afraid of conflict, but he’s not amoral or cruel. He speaks clearly and honestly about what he sees, and, if the leaders are willing to do the hard work, he will work with them and mentor them so they can be successful.
While this show is about business and making money, I can’t help but translate the show into the realm of the church. Look at this parallel…
- Marcus tries to listen to the business owner and understand their vision and goals to help them build their business.
- Bethel tries to listen to God and understand His vision and goals to help Him build His Kingdom.
The church is still the church – we’re not trying to turn God into a business or trying to market God, but I believe God’s purposes are well served if we ask questions like:
- What is Bethel’s focus? What is the one thing about which we will not compromise?
- Where do we see Bethel’s leadership (pastor, staff, Council, ministry team leaders, members of the congregation) focusing and spending our time? Are the main activities and places where we spend our time in service to our primary focus? If not, why not?
- What do Bethel’s leaders need to succeed? What is “success” in the church?
- How do we build up our people, strengthen and focus our ministries (product), and improve the ways we communicate and work together (process)?
Jesus tells us to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.” That sounds like a great focus to me! What would happen if everything we did was focused on seeking first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness? Would that build Bethel and make us more able to join with God in what He’s already doing among us?
Pray about this. Many of us will be traveling and enjoying the summer change of pace. Remember, practicing and living our faith doesn’t take a vacation … it’s part of who we are. So, if you’re not able to be in worship at Bethel, worship somewhere. Use this season of Pentecost to grow in your faith and bear fruit in your life and relationships.
In Christ,
Pastor Jeff
Epicurious Lutheran 