The car called CHURCH!!
It appears to me, that in church life there are various postitions that one can take.
Let's imagine that church life is like a car...
You could easily be the driver - in control of where the car actually goes, a passenger - just enjoying the ride and hoping that we're going in the right direction, or the navigator - directing the driver, re-assuring the passengers, but not actually wanting the responsibility of being the driver yourself.
I actually believe that we play all of these roles at various times and in our church going lives, but that doesn't mean that any roles are less important.
However, I also believe that when we know what role we are to play, we need to commit to playing it well, which means that if we're driving, we listen to suggestions but ultimately have to make the decisions as to where we go, even if it means upsetting the navigator.
If we're the navigator, we need to make suggestions, but ultimately respect the driver's final decision, and if we're a passenger on this leg of the journey, we need to be supportive of the navigator, and drivers leadership, and remember to ask where we're going, not just constantly look out the back window thinking about how nice it was where we were earlier!!
So the big question - Where are you sitting in the car, and is it time you started playing your part?
Hope that makes some sense to someone!!
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This is brilliant, and did really make me think. I think I'm more of a 'navigator' - someone who likes to boss people around, but is too scared to take on responsibilty herself. Maybe I need to consider whether other seats would be comfier! :D
This is dead good! Well...its not dead...just good!
I can't really say what I am right now...because I dont really know! Maybe I should think about it more! Also...if I LEFT the church not much would change or be missed...so I cant be the driver or navigator....but I wouldnt want to class myself as a passenger either...OOO...TRICKY!
For now...can I be a window wiper please???
I really like that Jon. I think that's a very helpful way of thinking of things. I particularly like the bit about us not all playing the same role in every respect of church life.
Of course, Becky is spot on - there's more to it. Those who neither drive nor navigate may not wish to be passengers - snoozing in the back and eating copious quantities of Worthers Original. There are others who fill up the petrol, who check for safety before each journey, who phone for traffic information when needed, who talk to the driver to keep him awake,...
Helpful - thanks...
[ed.] true!! but in my experience it's the driver that ends up re-fuelling the car, cos he's the one that knows when it's empty!!!. Jon