It was a Christmas gathering in a church. One person was invited as a guest for the occasion. The only reason was that he was a relative of a rich member of the church. As a singer-musician, he sang some classical carols. Then he said that he fasted, prayed, and wrote a few songs. Then he began to sing for the next hour or so. The songs were poorly written, contradicting biblical truths and with trendy music. Sadly, as time was running out, he prayed and closed the meeting. Since there was no preaching, many did not hear the gospel. “It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools.” (Ecclesiastes 7:5)
Pastor or Pleaser? The pastor of the church was not shepherding his flock instead he was a spectator. He was not exercising discernment or authority to feed the flock. Pleasing the donor friend was more important than pleasing God or serving the congregation.
Customer-friendly church? The church was neither customer-friendly nor seeker-friendly. Whatever is done should be accepted by the crowd that gathers there. For the pastor, it was just a crowd and not a congregation.
Donor-friendly church? The pastor assumed that being friendly with the donor would help him to manage the church. He depended more on donor money than God who called him and appointed him for this sacred ministry.
Clubhouse or church? Paul writes that the Church is the Pillar and the foundation of truth. (I Timothy 3:15) The Christmas service was like a social gathering.
Foolish singer? There were a few faithful believers who had invited a few people to listen to the gospel and understand the meaning of Christmas. There was no sermon or gospel sharing. New people who came to know about the reason for the season were disappointed.
Foolish pastor? The pastor did not realize that the rebuke of the wise is better than the song of fools. Hence, neither he nor the guest preached.
Do I share the reason for the Christmas season?