Think D.E.E.P.

I decided to blog now because I received a comment from Joy to update it!! Haha..

Complainers vs Contributors

These are the two types of people in church (or in this world perhaps). When a problem arises or somethings goes wrong in the church, there are these two types of people that give two different types of response.

Complainer

This type of church member obviously is the type that complains. Yes, complain and full stop. Does nothing about anything. Just complain. They are the type that see many things wrong with the church and does not lift one finger to help or improve the situation. Typical excuses of these people normally are as follow:

1. Let the young people do it.
2. You're the leader, you should do something
3. I don't know how
4. I'm too tired
5. I don't have the time (I'm busy)
6. It's your responsibility, not mine

Well, there are more that can be added to this list. Maybe someone more creative (or someone who is a complainer) can come up with more excuses for me? haha...

These people are a leader's headache. The fact they complain and not do anything to help normally gives a leader another thing to worry about or it adds another thing into his/her to do list. Worse still if they express their opinion to other people who have no clue what's going on and create a negative image on the church and it's people. Next thing you find them talking among themselves in Old Town Kopitiam about issues in the church. Haha! Don't get me wrong, discussing something about the welfare of the church is not wrong if you are genuinely concerned by actually trying to help out or at least come out with a solution or suggestion for your leader. instead of discussion, it turns into.............COMPLAINT!

Contributor

This type of church member obviously is the type that.........complains as well!! But they do so because they do not accept the status quo and has a genuine desire to see the church improve. They are called people who have a constructive spirit of discontent (huh?!?). It means that they are discontent, but in a constructive kind of way. Unlike complainers, they dont just complain. They do something about it. It's easy to spot a contributor. This is normally how they sound like

1. Why not we try doing this?
2. I see that there's a problem here, is there anything I can do to help?
3. Hey, I have a suggestion.
4. I don't know what to do, but I'm willing to learn
5. Use me Lord!

There will always be problems in the church no doubt. Contributors might not be able to solve all the problems but it at least eases the burdens of their leaders. And leaders (hopefully) being able to discern their gifts and talents, will place them in the right place to serve or help out so that they will be effective in service for Jesus and the church.

One note for contributors though. Due to my own experience, I know that being a contributor doesn't mean that all our suggestions and our offers of service will be accepted due to certain reasons. I give you a good example.

If someone like William Hung came and told you, "Hey, I feel that this church needs a bit more enthusiasm during worship. We should dance like this!" And he starts doing the 'she bangs' move in front of you (go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsn3WkxKvG4 if you don't know what I mean). We admire his heart for the Lord, but not his suggestion!

Leaders are supposed to see the big picture so don't blame them if they don't like your suggestion. Of course leaders also need to be careful not to do something unbiblical. Alamak, out of topic ni!

In conclusion, in every church there will be the two C's. And its the third C that will determine whether you are a Complainer or a Contributor - your Choice. I know that if you choose to be a contributor, God will definitely give you whatever is necessary to do the task that He wants you to do. God never rejects people who avail themselves to serve Him. Let's all serve Him and do our part.