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Commentary
COMMENTARY: Who will open the church door? Brian Bauknight, Feb 11, 2010
Brian Bauknight
By Brian Bauknight Special Contributor
My wife and I live on a small farm in Clinton, Penn., with our son and his family. Two households, two separate homes, 75 feet apart.
We have three grandchildren; the oldest two are boys ages 7 and 3. They know they are always welcome at our house, and they come frequently for grandma’s ever-ready snacks.
But here is the problem.
While the 7-year-old can open the front door by himself, the 3-year-old is not yet tall enough to reach the screen door handle, and his hand is not quite strong enough to push the latch.
The two boys come racing over to the house. The older boy grabs the door handle, opens and charges in. The younger boy is a bit slower, and by the time he arrives, the door has re-latched and he cannot get in. He tries to keep up with his brother, but most of the time he’s about three seconds too late.
I can see the disappointment, distress and doleful look on his face each time. Who will open the door for him?
He knows there is treasure inside: an apple with peanut butter, a banana, some juice, a cookie or some other carefully selected treat. But he cannot get access to it—at least not a soon as he would like.
We are the door openers to a great and wondrous Treasure—a vital, living relationship with God as revealed in Jesus. Some people come more slowly, with a bit more reserve, and without all the entrance skills needed.
Some with special needs cannot reach the handles, open the heavy church doors or climb the steps. Some know they need something, but are not sure exactly what that might be; nor do they have the courage to make an initial effort.
Who will open the door?
Hospitality is a more crucial theme for the church than we realize. It takes work, intentionality and careful, prayerful planning.
Make sure someone is there to open the door of your faith community’s gathering place. In all likelihood, someone will need you and others to open a very important door in their lives.
The Rev. Bauknight is senior minister emeritus of Christ UMC in Bethel Park, Penn., and coordinator of leadership development for the Western Pennsylvania Conference. DocBauk@aol.com.
Brian Bauknight
