what does fruit look like?
This week I listened to a podcast interviewing a former CEO/Owner of a company between 2010-2019. The company had been a huge success, more than he or the other owners could have imagined. It had revenues of over 3.4 billion and investors we flocking to get in on the action. Then, almost overnight, he was bankrupt. It was interesting to hear him say why it happened. There were two reasons he gave as the main causes.
The first reason was that they had lost sight some something vital, namely that they started the company with a mission. At a particular point (he still remembers the day) it became entirely about the money. All that mattered was growing bigger, being valuated higher, and bringing in larger and larger investors. This affected the entire culture of the company. For several years the company grew faster than ever. Then suddenly, it didn't, and they declared bankruptcy. Because he had given personal guarantees on the loans, this also meant that the owner lost everything.
The second - and related - reason he gave was that he forgot was success meant. It was never about money, but about who he was as a person. Was he a good person? Was he trying to improve the world? Did he love and serve those that really mattered to him? He had forgotten what was actually important as the almighty mammon became his only metric. (As a side note, he even mentioned that he stopped his spiritual practice of taking a Sabbath, which he has since returned to).
Why do I bring this up? This is often the struggle the church has. Jesus gave his disciples, and us, a mission. It is often tempting to view our success in terms of growth and revenue. But as our bishop told the Vestry last Spring, what we need to look for is fruit. This may include growth and/or revenue, but it is not the same thing. One might have tremendous spiritual fruit in the face of decline and financial struggles. One could also be experiencing growth and wealth while not pursuing a gospel mission. So what does fruit look like? It looks like a church that people feel loved and welcomed at; serving it's community the best it can with the resources it has while worshipping and proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ.
This is the time of year where we often start talking about stewardship and the Vestry begins thinking about next year's budget. Those are important discussions. However, they must always be had in the context of understanding that our mission always comes first.
In Christ,
Jamey +
A Reminder of TCW's Current Mission Statement
Our Mission is to continue the historic work of the church in extending Christ's love to each other and to the community. We accomplish this through beautiful liturgy, music, and meaningful and inspiring sermons.
We are a genuine community that learns, plays, and shares life together. We live out the gospel by welcoming groups here and through outreach programs that provide for both physical and spiritual needs.
Prayer:
O God, our heavenly Father, you manifested your love by sending your only-begotten Son into the world, that all might live through him: Pour out your Spirit on your Church, that we may fulfill his command to preach the Gospel to all people. Send forth laborers into your harvest; defend them in all dangers and temptations; and hasten the time when the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and faithful Israel shall be saved; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Song
As I was thinking about the above letter I couldn't help but think of a song from Switchfoot dating back to 2003 called Gone. Take a listen and you'll see what I mean.
Spotify Link
YouTube Link
