Ferrari in the Garage
Wow! What a lay-off between articles. Sorry for the long delay. I’ve had a lot to keep me busy lately – I can’t wait to start telling about most of it. My meditation lately has been focused on making this concept of Christian Special Forces even more practical.
Throughout US Military history Special Operations forces have been the “supporting force.” In other words, the Army or the Marines would take the lead in any conflict in which US Forces were involved. Their missions and objectives would then be supported by the work of SOF. This application of SOF continued until 9/11. At that time, the Commander in Chief for the United States Central Command (in charge of the area of the world containing both Afghanistan and Iraq) was a Four Star General named Tommy Franks. In his book, American Soldier, General Franks talks about his bold decision to give Special Operations units the lead role in Afghanistan, making them a “supported force,” for the first time in history. The result: Special Operators from numerous countries but led by the United States overthrew the Taliban in 3 months and crippled al Qaeda’s operations inside of Afghanistan.
Volumes have already been written about this remarkable feat, a military victory that was (unfortunately) not as celebrated in the US media as it should have been. For those that didn’t realize the spectacular magnitude of this achievement, I encourage you to read up. Email me if you’d like some book recommendations. One elite US Operator described the untapped potential of his Special Operations comrades before 9/11, saying it was, “Like having a Ferrari in the garage but never taking it out on the road” (Quotation taken from Leave No Man Behind, by David Isby). Having been given their first major “road test” Special Operators lived up to their nations’ aspirations and exceeded their every expectation.
In my humble opinion, the Church has a lot of the “Ferrari-in-the-Garage” mentality. There are still many leaders that don’t recognize the amazing potential for powerful, fruitful service that is parked in the “pews” every week. Don’t you think most people are waiting to be invited or asked to do something great? If they don’t get asked, they just begin to believe that they’re not really needed. Then, they either develop a sense of dullness and insensitivity to needs, or they get restless and start wandering to other churches – not really knowing why. They haven’t put their finger on it, but I bet their longing and restlessness is a search for action and significance.
An important aspect of the Special Forces analogy in my mind is captured in this statement: What you do counts! “Ministry” is not for the professionals – it’s not justup to the clergy, even if that’s what they think. In your church, thechances are high that you will never be invited to start or participatein something that really challenges and inspires you. Sorry, but that’strue. Although I’m certainly no General Franks, I’d like to exert anysmall degree of influence I have to get you into the mix anyway.
Don’t wait for an invitation and certainly don’t get bitter about not being invited. There are 4 core ministries that should be found in every church. You can immediately involve yourself in any or all of these 4 crucial areas. Acts 2:42 talks about the ministries of the early church. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (NKJV). I strongly urge you to back yourself “out of the garage,” (so to speak) and start serving in the following ways:
Peace.
SJB
Throughout US Military history Special Operations forces have been the “supporting force.” In other words, the Army or the Marines would take the lead in any conflict in which US Forces were involved. Their missions and objectives would then be supported by the work of SOF. This application of SOF continued until 9/11. At that time, the Commander in Chief for the United States Central Command (in charge of the area of the world containing both Afghanistan and Iraq) was a Four Star General named Tommy Franks. In his book, American Soldier, General Franks talks about his bold decision to give Special Operations units the lead role in Afghanistan, making them a “supported force,” for the first time in history. The result: Special Operators from numerous countries but led by the United States overthrew the Taliban in 3 months and crippled al Qaeda’s operations inside of Afghanistan.
Volumes have already been written about this remarkable feat, a military victory that was (unfortunately) not as celebrated in the US media as it should have been. For those that didn’t realize the spectacular magnitude of this achievement, I encourage you to read up. Email me if you’d like some book recommendations. One elite US Operator described the untapped potential of his Special Operations comrades before 9/11, saying it was, “Like having a Ferrari in the garage but never taking it out on the road” (Quotation taken from Leave No Man Behind, by David Isby). Having been given their first major “road test” Special Operators lived up to their nations’ aspirations and exceeded their every expectation.
In my humble opinion, the Church has a lot of the “Ferrari-in-the-Garage” mentality. There are still many leaders that don’t recognize the amazing potential for powerful, fruitful service that is parked in the “pews” every week. Don’t you think most people are waiting to be invited or asked to do something great? If they don’t get asked, they just begin to believe that they’re not really needed. Then, they either develop a sense of dullness and insensitivity to needs, or they get restless and start wandering to other churches – not really knowing why. They haven’t put their finger on it, but I bet their longing and restlessness is a search for action and significance.
An important aspect of the Special Forces analogy in my mind is captured in this statement: What you do counts! “Ministry” is not for the professionals – it’s not justup to the clergy, even if that’s what they think. In your church, thechances are high that you will never be invited to start or participatein something that really challenges and inspires you. Sorry, but that’strue. Although I’m certainly no General Franks, I’d like to exert anysmall degree of influence I have to get you into the mix anyway.
Don’t wait for an invitation and certainly don’t get bitter about not being invited. There are 4 core ministries that should be found in every church. You can immediately involve yourself in any or all of these 4 crucial areas. Acts 2:42 talks about the ministries of the early church. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (NKJV). I strongly urge you to back yourself “out of the garage,” (so to speak) and start serving in the following ways:
1. Doctrine (Teaching) – You don’t have to be asked to teach a formal class to be a teacher. The heart of teaching is trust. Work on developing a trusting relationship with a person for whom the Lord gives you compassion. Simply allow your lessons to flow naturally through that relationship. You’ll hear people talk about their beliefs and their fears and their hopes. As you listen, you’ll be given the opportunity to open up your knowledge of the Word and will of God. This works – I do it every day.Like Military Special Operations, all this work will be done behind the scenes with no glory and no public recognition. I absolutely guarantee, though, it will make your church a more fruitful place of ministry.
2. Fellowship – Sadly, this word doesn’t even mean anything anymore. It’s all about the sharing and transmitting of life. Fellowship means being a Bringer and an Includer. When you’re doing something, bring someone with you. One of the great mentors of my early spiritual life really practiced this. I went to the grocery store with him – he took me to the hardware store, the mall – he simply included me in his life. You’ll be surprised what can happen in those moments.
3. Breaking of Bread – Simply put, have meals with people other than your own family. We’re far too selfish with ourselves – if that makes sense. Invite people to your house to share a meal with your family. No agenda, no real reason other than to simply sit and eat together. There is something that happens as you do. Intimacy is developed and people get to know one another. You’ll find yourself sitting around the table into the night. The couch would be much more comfortable, but you just stay at the table – there’s something to this. Think about how many amazing things happen in the context of “Feasts” in the Bible.
4. Prayers – This sounds simple, but there is a difference between “prayer” and the “ministry of prayer.” We all pray, but this is talking about prayers that are strategic to the development of the church. Begin to ask the Lord for the prayers that he’s willing to answer for the church at this time. He’ll lead your prayer life like you’ve never experienced before.
Peace.
SJB
Scott Bane
6 Comments
View Printer Friendly Version
Email Article to Friend
Reader Comments (6)
The third part about sharing meals with people has been much harder for me personally. As a homemaker and homeschooling mom, I have struggled with letting go of having the perfectly clean house. There is so much action around here- one room never stays neat for too long. I have shyed away from having guests over because of never achieving my idea of the "ideal." I know that my focus is on the wrong thing....... I really want to get over that!
I so admire your decision to homeschool your children, and the constant use of "teachable" moments. You are an expert at this, and I can learn so much from you. I have a harder time applying this to my family, than I do for the children I teach in class. This is an area I have been working on.
Perfectly clean only happens in fairy tales! I am convinced that when children enter your family, you have to change your definition of what "clean" is. I love visiting other people's homes and seeing that they struggle with the same issues in keeping house that I do. I have a tendencey to be selfish with my time, as far as sharing meals go. I put too much pressure on myself to have the right appetizer, entree, and dessert. If I would just do as Pastor Scott suggests and allow others to share our life (even sloppy joe and mac & cheese night), I know we would see the fruit of it.
I have had the opportunity to share many meals here "behind enemy lines" so to speak, while visiting my out-of-state family. I am the only believer in my extended family since my Gramdma passed away. It has been an interesting experience opening my eyes to the fact that in thinking I keep my family sheltered and safe, I also keep us very uneffective in reaching out to others. I just pray that the words we've said and our actions have planted seeds that the Lord will cause to grow and bear much fruit.
Thanks for the thoughts, Pastor Scott, and thanks for the input, Trish!
I like what Tricia said about teaching and fellowship. We do have opportunities every day to use for teaching and building relationships. I think AS we get comfortable in using those gifts with those closest to us, we need to see that God is developing them to use them with others as well.
I personally have seen that we as the church, however, don't want to get our hands dirty. We don't want to be around the foul mouths, the drinkers, and the whole lot. In Luke 15 (at the beginning) it talks about how the publicans and sinners CAME TO HEAR JESUS. Can you imagine the motley crew that sat around the table with Jesus at some of these events? I mean seriously, don't think there weren't F-Bombs and all kinds of stuff going around that table. What else are sinners going to talk about? You don't see Jesus getting up from the table, and saying " that's it, guys- I'm not going to sit around here and listen to THAT!"
I'm not saying we should throw our children into the middle of that, but where in the wide wide world of sports is light gonna do ANY good except in the midst of darkness? I've seen this in my own life, and I'm endeavoring to change it. Let's not get so easily offended. When people see that we're not afraid to get our hands dirty, it opens up doors of opportunity. If they see you're not willing, you may as well forget about it. You'll never earn the right to speak into their lives. You don't even have to give chapter and verse, give the principles - we all know they work. They'll ask you where you got that from- then you'll have opportunity to tell them.
Let's not be afraid to let our light shine. Show some confidence that greater is He that is in YOU!!!! We all have something to give.
I will definetely stay tuned to hear more from you Scott. I am HUNGRY for more! Blessings