Last month in New York City, 45 year-old Harold Luken walked into a Bank of America and announced that he had a gun and was going to rob the place. He then went to the teller line and told those in front of him to carry on their business. When he finally reached the teller, he again announced that he had a gun and told her to empty the contents of her register. Knowing the police were about arrive (since he had given them plenty of notice :-), she refused. So he then gave her his bank card and asked to check his balance. She again refused. The man, reportedly, angrily stormed off muttering, “I’ll just take my business to Citibank and rob them!”
He was arrested on the sidewalk within minutes after he exited the bank. I’m sure Bank of America will be sad to see Harold go.
In my nearly 25 years of pastoring, I’ve met a few “Harolds.” After displaying negative attitudes, lots of complaining and multiple attempts to stir up trouble, they would eventually say something like, “I think it’s time I find another church.” I’d usually smile and agree, “Ya, Harold (their names were never actually Harold), I think you’re right.” They’d be astonished I didn’t try to talk them into staying. But for me, it was kind of like Bank of America hearing, “I’ll just take my business to Citibank and rob them!” The difference is, we are not in competition with other Gospel preaching churches and I want all of them to do well and do not wish soul robbers on any of them.
As a church, we are here to help those who are seeking find their way, feed those who want to grow, and direct those who want to serve. But some people seem to think we just want EVERYBODY here. Actually, The Bridge isn’t for everybody. The Apostle Paul told the Roman church, “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them” (Romans 16:17). Those who detract from our mission, create an atmosphere of discontent, or hinder the spiritual growth of new believers, will not enjoy themselves at The Bridge, and we won’t work too hard to keep them in the position of “robbing” what God is doing in and through us.
I’m glad you are here. But this church has a mission. If you are here, take your time in getting to know us. But part of getting to know us is to know we want you serving WITH us. Don’t be a Harold. Discard the weapons and throw away the bag you were planning of filling for yourself, roll up your sleeves and join us in the work God has for us!
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I would love to hear you address issues such as this to us as a congregation or certain "Harold's" personally rather than on a blog. Making a post like this seems passive aggressive and I know people always benefit much more when they are dealt with on a personal level out of genuine care and concern. Although technology such as blogs allow us to spread news and share information effectively and efficiently, when it comes to personal matters in ministry, I think it is wiser and kinder to communicate such things directly to the offender or the whole body of the Bridge if it is area of concern to our community.
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ReplyDeleteThis is a topic Scott has addressed in both his 101 and 201 classes. He has not been passive aggressive at all he has been completely forthright and upfront with his stance on keeping to the mission of the church. The Church mission is also something he addressed in the budget meeting last Sunday. I can attest to this. I approached Scott with something I wanted to do regarding a Para-church ministry I support. I asked him if I can bring my concerns before the congregation in one form or another. He frankly said. “No” because it was not in line with the church direction and not because my cause lacked validity. He stood his ground for the betterment of the Bridge and I respect that. We can focus and thrive or we can divide and fall.This is just one more venue that Scott is using to reiterate one of his constant messages, “Church Unity”.
Dennis Chance
Anonymous, I think you were reading something into my blog. There are no "Harolds" I am currently dealing with. The church is at peace, and I have no burr under my saddle. You seem to be jumping to conclusions and making an unfair judgement as to the motive for the above article. I have never written a blog or preached a sermon for that matter, directed at any individual or to address any current situation. But something else I have never done, written a critical comment to or about another person "anonymously." Do you think that is what Jesus would do? He preached some pretty public sermons about "Harolds." But he did it in full view with courage, never hiding behind anonymity. If you were one to practice what you preached, you would have contacted me personally, rather than jumping to conclusions and then criticizing me anonymously over the internet.
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