The 1 Thing - What Everyone Craves - That Your Church Can Deliver - Thom Schultz

The 1 Thing - What Everyone Craves - That Your Church Can Deliver

I enjoyed reading this book. The authors take the story of Mary and Martha and arrive at the book's thesis: What people want - what God wants - is a close, loving, trusting relationship between God and individuals.

"Luke, through his writing, plops us down in Mary and Martha's house. We get to witness what happens and we come away with a clear understanding of what is most important to Jesus. What would happen if we had plopped down in most churches today? What would we perceive? What would seem most important in the church? Would the 1 thing - an absolutely unmistakable emphasis on growing relationships with Jesus - shine through immediately? Or would well meaning but less important stuff distract from the 1 thing?" pg 22-23

The author then challenges us to develop a friendship with Jesus. "We make friends with Jesus much as we make friends with other people." Qualities of human friendships can provide an example for a relationship with the Lord.

He then offers this "Friendship Filter" for reordering a churches ministry priorities. Which option will best induce and enhance relationship - with other and with Jesus? If you were trying to grow a warm, human relationship using of of these options, which one would you use? Which option best creates a fireside ambiance - a setting that invites relationship building? Which option will telegraph to the world that building close relationship with Jesus Christ is a top priority here?

He then looks at how churches may appear to those who come from an unchurched culture. First - the Police Department - "The police department enforces the law. It makes sure people follow a long list of do's and don'ts. When lawmakers write new laws, the police officers stand on the front line to ensure the publics obedience."

Next the Theater - It is largely a spectator event - the action takes place on the stage - most shows are highly scripted, rehearsed and predictable - Stars provide box office draw. And what is the key objective to the Theater? To fill seats.

Then the Mortuary - Churches that are solemn - serious - certainly not fun.

Next the Seminary - Pastor Lectures - Students take notes and pour over texts - Facts get memorized - Papers get scored - and placement offices scatter the learned throughout the land.

In chapter Ten - the author begins to develop his idea of what church ought to be. "Since The 1 Thing is a relationship, let's look at the process of developing a friendship. we can think of four simple parts of that process: 1) Introduce Yourself 2) Go Someplace Inviting 3) Make Conversation 4) Do Stuff Together. These steps towards friendship can lead to lifelong commitment."

Again, I think this author has something to say. Many of us have learned how to "Fit in" at church - even if we go to a new one - we can adapt to the "game." But how many people come in our doors searching for something - a relationship with God. But they will never meet Him - until they meet us. Perhaps if we concentrate on fostering a relationship with them - they will foster a relationship with Christ.