327. Lifeboat, Not Cruise ship

A few weeks ago, there was a multiplication ceremony. One thing I emphasize is that the ultimate reason for multiplication is regaining the sense of “urgency” for the mission of God. The default mode of any organization is “complacency”. Though multiplication is primarily driven by large number, it creates a sense of urgency. When the number gets smaller, people feel the need to invite new people.

Urgency is restored as we remember why we need to invite unchurched people to house church. I understand that many modern people (including Christians) get uncomfortable about this reality, but Jesus clarified that there will be a final judgement. So, Jesus followers have received a special mission from him to partner with him to save the myriads of lost souls, heading to eternal separation from God. So, when we realize our time is ticking on earth, we begin to live our lives to make an eternal impact on people’s lives and to leave a lasting legacy of our faith to the next generation. We realize collecting cheques and enjoying life is an inferior goal of life.

I remember hearing a touching sharing from a pastor at one of the house church conferences. He compared traditional church to a cruise ship, and house church to a lifeboat. In a cruise ship, everyone is concerned about enjoying the journey. And they remain as spectators throughout the journey until they arrive at their destination. But in a lifeboat, everyone is there for a purpose that goes beyond survival, and that is to save the drowning people. In a lifeboat, everyone has a job and no one is insignificant.

A ship might be safe being anchored in a harbour, but no ship is created to stay anchored. Instead of rusting away in the harbour, let’s be the ship that sails across the sea despite dangers and difficulties ahead. People need God, and we have a choice to make our house church a cruise ship or a lifeboat. And someone’s eternity is hanging in the balance of our decision. And our faith as well.