I love potlucks. It's kind of like meeting your neighbors. You're never sure of what you're going to get, but there is always some serving of mac salad or mashed potatoes. And, the containers! From tupperware to foil, to someone's grandma's favorite casserole dish inherited from her uncle. It is a smorgasbord.
Don't get me wrong, though. I also love buffets, although I tend to feel obliged to overeat at them. Everything in limitless supply before you, and there is usually something for everyone. These days, it isn't uncommon to see a buffet that has everything from sushi to sliced roast beef.
But I wasn't trying to talk about food or the social gathering around it. I mean to talk about the church and our membership within it.
I would like to think that what draws a lot of people to a church is what draws a lot of people to buffets. Great selection. Fantastic presentation. Seemingly endless supply of resources. Accessibility. A little something for everyone. It could even be multicultural.
But the primary difference between a potluck and a buffet is not necessarily the food or the selection, but it is what you bring to the table.
I understand my church to be more like a potluck. Actually, every church is a potluck. This is to say that the health, growth, vision, and character of a church community isn't something that is catered to them, but rather is what they--the individuals--bring to the table. How I prepare my own walk and devotion to Jesus is what I will be, in a sense, bringing with me to the congregational feast.
I freely admit that I have been a free-loader, coming to churches in times recent and times past where I just want to marinate in the steam that arises from the spiritual buffet trays. I've experienced retreats where some gifted preacher and praise team has prepared for me a sumptuous dish of spiritually spiced meats. And I've gobbled it all up.
But buffets aren't reproducible. And church then becomes a few head waiters cleaning up after the masses. So is it a wonder that when many of us expect a buffet--to fill up on what we ourselves failed to prepare--come to the communion table and find the spread meager and wanting? Our own personal devotion, our own practice in His kitchen, tasting and seeing that He is good--this is what is missing. We forgot that it was a potluck, and so everyone guiltily crowds around the mac salad and chips, and we go home still hungry.
What are you bringing to the table?
