Duck, Duck, Goose - or - Church, Church, Minister??

During our latest “Church out of the box” service at West Bay Marina, I couldn’t help but notice this comical sight. In order to appreciate it though, you’d have to know the personality of the goose leading this pack of ducks. In short, he’s downright mean. He’ll chase you for a bite of whatever may be in your hand. But if you turn to chase him, he’ll run away, like the playground bully who’s actually too fearful to fight.


He struts his stuff with his head up high, leading the little ducks that follow him around, and stealing their food. I’ve never once seen him in the company of another goose. But he has managed to find this group that allows him to be their leader whether they like him or not.


Not to dish out disrespect for any of God’s true, anointed leaders, but that arrogant goose reminds me of many of today’s preachers and pastors. They lead their followers, acting as if they are one of them. Yet they lead neither out of love nor care, but from a heart that is haughty with domination.


Much of today’s Christianity has meandered far from the path originally laid out by Christ’s founding church. What was formerly an entwined “community” where Christians met regularly to encourage one another in their faith is now simply what we call “congregations” – people that gather in the same building, with little more in common than the same leader.


What was once a participatory entity*, has now been reduced to little more than a show, with select individuals in charge and in sight. We even encourage this further with the structure that most church buildings have selected over the years – pews all facing a podium to highlight a selected individual.


What used to be a gathering where people were given the confidence to be authentic, with confessions, words of encouragement and prayer, has now become what we refer to as a “service” (as if we’re really serving God there) with a prearranged time schedule of rote events.


How did the church, one of the most brilliant ideas that God ever had, devolve to such depths? Surely Jesus was right when He told Peter that even the gates of Hell wouldn’t destroy His church. It still exists and always will, with its numbers increasing daily. However, over the centuries its gatherings have strayed far from their original, simplistic design. Most have become little more than ducks following an oppressive goose, rather than sheep being led by a devoted Shepherd.

I’ve just realized that it’s going to be difficult not to think of many churches and their pastors in the future whenever I see children playing the game, “Duck, Duck, Goose”.

*“Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.” 1st Corinthians 14:26

Shelia