As a rookie salesman calling on new car dealers, I wondered why some men in
the shop were always busy, while some were always found to be standing around.
One Cadillac dealer in particular had a drum set in one back bay, and Ron was
often heard playing there. Live band in a service department? But as I was to
find out, American car service departments were much different than say Mercedes
Benz, BMW, or Land Rover. Ford, GM and Chrysler techs were specialized, some
line-tune ups, noises, etc, some heavy line-engines and transmissions, some AC
only, some brakes only-where the easy big bucks were, and some front end and
alignment. True all could do some of the other’s specialty, but it also
explained why some made big bucks, they were busy, and some played the drums.
But when I went to work for Mercedes Benz, all were busy, all the time. As a
tech you were expected to work from bumper to bumper. Including interiors,
replacing windshields, and in some cases minor body work. You were either a
tech or you weren’t. And hiring A line techs from American car companies, they
often had trouble adapting. The good ones caught on, were successful and made
lots of money, the truly specialized went back. They were willing to specialize
and have time to play the drums, instead of fixing cars and making a good
living. A tech for Mercedes Benz or Land Rover could in one day do a major
service, PDI new cars, replace an AC condensor by disassembling the entire
interior, and later replace a windshield. In between trying to find a squeak no
one else could hear, or doing a simple oil change. No time to play the drums in
these shops, you were hired to work, and expected to do your job.
I get to attend many car shows, and I like the ones with many types of
cars, rather than the single brand event. An all Ford, or all Pontiac show may
be family for those who own them, but I like to see all cars. All years, muscle
and luxury, even old Ramblers, Hudson’s, and Kaisers. Each has its own
personality, being able to see them together at a show, just like you once saw
them on the road. Bumper to bumper types and brands of cars....where the theme
is cars, not a particular one. Sponsor a muscle car only show, and you hurt
those who own a non-SS454, or a Mustang with a 6 cylinder instead of a Boss
302. More rules, less classes, and often less class. Same with motorcycles,
which translates into the ones who ride them. I have seen Honda techs who
refused to change a tire on a Yamaha-not trained enough I heard one tell a
customer once, yet when we get together, we find the tire doesn’t care what
brand of bike, it just knows when it is flat. Harley owners of the past were
told in the owners manual to only use Harley Davidson oil. And more than once
did we chase down an HD store to get Harley oil, when nothing else would do. At
least today’s bike techs are bumper to bumper-they need to know about everything
on a bike, no pretty boys here. Yet some still specialize on one brand, giving
them more time to practice the drums.
Reading on a web site yesterday about a church my friend attends, I looked
under “who we are,” then to “staff.” There was a Senior Pastor, Missions
Pastor, Assistant and Associate Pastors, Youth Pastors, Music Pastor, Lay
Pastors, and then even more sub-groups. I wondered, could a Missions Pastor
answer my question about a non-Missions question? Was I too old to speak with
the Youth Pastor? Could I associate with an assistant? What if the Senior was
a junior, or I was older, would he still be a senior? Foolish questions maybe,
but so few are truly trained, or experienced in Jesus. Their specialized skill
alienates them, could the music pastor point me to Jesus without music? What
about a Youth Music Lead Worship Associate’s assistant? What if the Missions
Pastor was older, from Mexico, could he be a Senior or a Senor Pastor?
Pharisees all by design...and along comes Jesus. While some went to school to
study, he ministered in the spirit. While some studied ministry, he was
ministry. While others assisted, he associated, no matter the age, social
standing or sex. His love knew no boundaries, no limits, he came to save, not
to specialize. He was just as happy with kids as he was with adults, and was
often seen with hookers, junkies, bikers, and others who aren’t fit for church.
The Membership Pastor’s job. He went to them, out of the church, out of the
building. He healed the sick, not the worthy, fed the hungry, not the needy.
He visited those who were in jail, setting them free in the spirit, even if
condemned to die. He ministered to those in need....a far cry from some
churches today. And those engaged in them missing out on many blessings. When
led by the spirit, each service was different, no special healing services, no
book sales for missionaries, or youth group fund raisers. Jesus supplied all
their needs in his riches and his glory. Try to find that in any church today
and call me, I want to join!
Maybe ministry can be best described as teamwork was to me when working for
Roger Penske. “If it needs to be done, do it.” How simple. Backing up the
great commission of Jesus, “as you go, make disciples.” Some saved through
healing, some by teaching, some by counseling, and some even in church. Some in
alleys, jail, biker bars, and even one on one with a neighbor. The common
thread, the only way to be saved being Jesus. The Holy Spirit calling that
person, and God assigning someone to lead them. To pray with them. To love
them. To be blessed. No matter what they drive or ride. Jesus meets needs, do
we?
Consider that the next time you think evangelism is inviting someone to
church. The spirit is willing at any moment, are you? Will you take time to
pray right now, or blow them off by telling them you’ll pray for them...later.
Fixing what is broken is what techs do, and what Christians need do to. We fix
people, with Jesus as the prescription. Paul was the best example, becoming all
things to all men. Rich and smart he served best wherever he was. An example
of Jesus, now what is your title? What is your job description? Mine says
Christian...there will time to play the drums later.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com