More Than a Concession Stand

Most of us, when asked, are willing to serve in just about any area as long as fear doesn’t take over.  As an example, almost anyone is willing to volunteer to run a concession stand for Upward Basketball; yet very few would say their heart's desire is to serve as a referee.  But how many of us when we serve are really tied into the mission and vision of our church?  Better yet, how many of us as we go around our daily lives are completely in tune with the mission and vision of Jesus?   What was His mission?  To seek and save the lost.  If you’re like me, it’s easy to sleep walk through entire sections of a day or week with no awareness of the mission that Christ has us on.  Unless I put myself on mission first thing in the morning the tyranny of the urgent quickly presses me. 

Last week I observed something special happen at an Upward Concession stand.  One of our members was selling hot dogs.  Normally this would be a simple transaction to give a hot dog and take a buck. In this instance, I saw engagement in the mission.  “How long have you been involved in Upward?” “What do you love about it?" “Do you have a church you worship at?” Ah, the art of asking questions!  Getting outside my own bubble and caring about someone else. Isn’t this what Jesus wants?  For us to take more than a passing interest in others?  For some of you this comes naturally.  You are wired for relationships and you gain energy by reaching out, connecting, and having conversations.  Others are more reserved and need to be prompted by the Holy Spirit.  As the hot dog buying couple replied to my friend, “We live in Keizer, but we’ve been commuting to a church in Portland for 4 years,” he was able to offer a simple, sincere invite to come join us at one of our weekend services.  Whether they come and become involved in our local fellowship for our mutual growth and edification isn’t really the point.  My friend looked beyond a hot dog.  He peered over the concession stand counter.  He saw a couple that are deeply loved by Jesus and that perhaps may join a local fellowship in the community in which they live.  The mission of Salem First Baptist Church is to bring people into a life changing relationship with God and each other.  I would say the Upward concession stand is as good a place as any to live that mission out. 

Kudos to all of you around the city living the mission each day.  May God strengthen you by His mighty hand.  May His Spirit guide you into each interaction and conversation He wants.  May your life continue to be transformed into His image so that He can use you to transform the culture of our city to more closely reflect God’s heart.
--Pastor Nate