Grab that Donkey
What to do about the worst idea you ever heard
So one of the humorous moments at Mercy Road was when the pastor was talking about how important it is that the staff does not start programs or run ministries— they help the people of the church start and run the ministries God places on their hearts. Josh, the pastor, said he promised never to say no to any ministry idea that was not sinful.
A guy started running a bible study that met to watch Monday Night Raw wrestling and then study the Word. As it grew (!) the guy proposed having wrestling shows as an evangelistic outreach. Josh told him to his face “that is the worst idea I have ever heard. But since I have committed to never say no to anything that is not sinful…”
Dude puts on the show and about 200 people show up, see some wrestling and hear the Gospel. But wait there’s more. They start attracting some real talent because the church has really good sound and video equipment and the wrestlers can use it to send clips to the bigger wrestling companies. Some of the wrestlers have made it to the big time. The shows are still going on and more and more people are getting to hear the Gospel.
This got personal, because just before I left someone had an idea for an outreach and I pretty much said “that is the worst idea I have ever heard.” And because we are a basically staff-driven church, that could be the end of it. But I repented right then and there, and when I got home I said, “Sorry I dissed your idea. If you organize and run it, we can help.” We’ll see. There is an interplay in staff-driven churches; pastors like me can be bone-headed about what will work. And because it has been this way so long, people propose ideas they think staff should run… we have to break this cycle. I might be right. It could be a terrible idea. But who am I? What if it absolutely rocks? I hope dude will run with his outreach idea, knowing that Jesus has called him and will help. I hope he won’t think the staff has to do it or it to happen or be legit. You know who you are… get some! I will be the first one there, talking to people about Jesus!
Another way into the Palm Sunday Triumphal entry is in a detail. Jesus tells someone to go get him a donkey. If anyone says, “bro. Why are you taking my donkey?” tell him the Lord needs it. Go grab that donkey. Whatever it is the Lord is telling you He wants you to do, just do it. Grab that donkey. I’mma stay out of the way… His and yours…