Weekly Devotions - Sowing Seeds of Faith

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“The Church &
Baseball" Part 3

A fictional baseball game during our worship service has the best players of all time playing our church team. The All Stars are leading after eight innings but our players are fighting hard. In the top of the ninth inning, “Iron Man” Cal Ripken runs home and collides with our own “Big Al” injuring his hand. “Big Al” has to leave the game and there is no one to substitute for him. What will our church team do now?

Rick Warren, author of two best selling books, “Purpose Driven Life” and “Purpose Driven Church” often uses a baseball diamond to plot how a church should be a catalyst for spiritual growth.

The “Batters Box” symbolizes you as a newcomer beginning the process of attending a local church. Can you feel God’s presence during worship? Is the message Biblically based and challenging your spiritual perspective? Will you attend with an open attitude toward meeting new people and at the same time are others looking to offer you a warm welcome? Check the calendar of events for interesting activities, mission projects and groups offering further opportunities for growth.

In due course, you sense God urging you to join a church and pledge to support the ministry with your prayers, presence, gifts and service. Jesus’ disciple, Simon Peter started the process when he said, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus replied, “You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church.” (Mat. 16:16-18) Congratulations, you’ve just hit the ball and reached first base.

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Speaking of first base, the score is six to four in favor of the All Stars. “Big Al” is out of the game and there is no one to take his place. “Lend me someone to finish with,” said our church team manager. The All Stars manager quickly replied, “No way! We’re here to win.” Then with a sneer he said, “You’ll have to ask someone from the stands. Maybe one of the spectators will volunteer to play.”

First Base is getting to know Christ better through your church. Many reach first and are satisfied to stay safe yet God wants you to reach out and enjoy a deeper relationship with Christ. First base is exploring opportunities to love and be loved. Paul writes, “If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn’t love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Cor. 13:1) Loving others is paramount. You could start by joining a Sunday school class, sing in the choir or participate in a small group. Soon, you are running to second base.

Second Base is a desire to strengthen your relationship with Jesus. Many disciples commit to small group Bible studies. Others use special retreats such as “Walk to Emmaus.” For two years while driving thirty minutes to work, I studied by listening to cassettes offering Biblical teaching. Jesus said, “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me and I in them will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Through the church you have the opportunity to nurture your relationship with the vine and produce fruit. Producing fruit then leads you to third base.

The church manager vowed he would not quit, no matter what. “Will someone volunteer to help us finish the game? We need a good sport.” His plea was met with pained silence from the crowd.

Third Base is a commitment to use the distinctive gifts and talents only you possess to serve Christ through ministry within the local church. “God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well.” (Romans 12:6) Are you handy with tools? Volunteer to repair rundown houses. Do you enjoy driving? Offer to drive an elderly person to the grocery store or to a doctor’s appointment. Are you good at managing money? Become a mentor for someone facing bankruptcy. Now you need to come home.

Home Plate is the culmination of what you experienced on first base: Love combined with what you learned on second base: Growth and what you practiced on third base: Ministry. Now you are ready to accept the responsibility of becoming a spiritual leader for Christ. Peter wrote: “Care for the flock of God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly -- not for what you can get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.” (1 Peter 5:2) Churches are crying out for spiritual leaders who are willing to stand up for what they believe. Will you accept the challenge?

Speaking of challenges, our church team manager is getting nowhere asking for a volunteer. No, wait a minute. Someone is coming down from the stands. I’ve never seen him before. Who is this stranger?

Next: In the startling conclusion to “The Church & Baseball” I try to answer two questions: 1. Who is the mysterious stranger who comes out of the stands and substitutes for our team? 2. What is the missing critical ingredient of this story needed by all of us as we run the bases toward home? For Part 4, click here.

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Last modified July 12, 2004.

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