Ministry Idea Studios

Last weekend I attended a great event leading up to the All Star Baseball game here in St. Louis called Fanfest.  It’s a celebration of achievers and milestones, plus activities for the whole family enjoy.  Got to see a bit of history.  Incredible trophies.  Strong men and women who have played the game of baseball.  A tribute to American heroes who struggled both on and off the field.

I had to stop and pause as I read the large red, white and blue billboard of hall of famer’s posted so proudly.  What I was suprised at was just how FEW their were.  233 players (not managers, pioneers, etc)  Now major league baseball started in 1869, and with the number of players and teams you would think it would be more.  But there they were… only 233.

I like to view what I take in through the lense of ministry.  Who would be on your church’s hall of fame board?  Why aren’t there more?  Think about how many churches there are across America.  Now think about how many children’s volunteers there currently are and have been.  Got to be a HUGE number.

I believe it is mostly dependant on the managing side of ministry.  Baseball managers identify talent and cultivate that.  They start the players who play to win.  They pay the salaries of those who produce.  In turn, their teams are winning teams.  And even during the season they are out there looking for more to improve.  For wins…they tweak the line up.  They move players.  They try different plays.  They must adapt…and they are rewarded.

Put that in the context of your ministry today. Who are you scouting?  Who are you investing in? What NEW plays do you try?  I read a great phrase once that has stuck with me: “mediocrity is SO easy.”  The gospel is too precious.  Kids are too important to keep up mediocre programming.  It’s too easy and a cop out.  You’d better see what’s out there and be on the hunt to always be improving and changing.. or you might end up like the Cubs.  Over 100 yrs since a championship.