The celebration of America’s independence has come and gone once again. Another year of family picnics complete with all American burgers, ballpark hot dogs and juicy watermelon.  Another year of fun in the blistering sun while in the backyard, at the lake or the park.  Another year of dazzling pyrotechnics displays that light up the night sky like a smart phone in a dark movie theater.

My family doesn’t have a set tradition on the Fourth of July – except for fireworks. Somehow, someway in someplace we always find fireworks. We’ve done different things throughout the years including gathering together out in the country with friends and blowing up our own explosives (and money).  We have taken in a fireworks show at the end of a major league baseball game on several occasions. From time to time we have congregated in a particular neighborhood to watch some of the best exhibitions there will ever be.  And we’ve assembled with the multitudes to watch public performances. That’s what we did this year. Well, sort of. It was a public display that we watched a distance from the masses!

All of that got me to thinking – fireworks demonstrations and church have a lot in common (I know, but this is what I do so stay with me). Over the years I have taken in fireworks in several different ways.  This year for example, I was merely an observer.  I didn’t purchase any of the fireworks. I didn’t have to give anything for the show.  I just showed up and watched from a distance – a long distance.  Other years I have been part of a more limited group – a neighborhood party, a baseball game that I bought a ticket for, or a country club party I was invited to (and pretended to be a member).  I was there for the show and I expected it to be worthwhile. And then there have been times where I actually purchased the fireworks myself.  I owned them. I was all in. I was fully invested.  I was going to do whatever it took to make it the most breathtaking display of pyrotechnical magic ever!

Likewise, in the church we have three different groups: observers, members and owners. Observers have no real investment in the church. They simply show up and watch from a distance – sometimes, a long distance.  They position themselves close to an exit where they can make a quick get-away and not get caught up in all the traffic.  They want the benefit of the experience without the sacrifice of the connection. Members, on the other hand, are more connected. But often times, intentionally or unintentionally, members tend to morph into an exclusive group.  They have certain expectations because they have “paid their dues” to be part of something.  They are there for the show and expect it to be worthwhile.  Owners, however, are all in. They are fully invested. They don’t demand privileges but see themselves as having responsibilities.  They will do whatever it takes to make it the most breathtaking delivery of gospel power ever!

Observer? Member? Owner? How can you take your next step?