One Opportunity. Two Responses.

This morning's reflection has been weighing on me for quite a while and the right moment never hit. Several weeks ago, I attended Scout Sunday at a local church. The pews were full of youngsters from Lion Scouts through young adult Ventures along with a wide array of adult leaders. Seeing the large group put a small smile on my face.

I've been involved with Scouting since my first year as a Cub Scout meeting in Mr. Hullinger's house on Salge Drive in the mid 1970's. I earned my Eagle, my eldest son is an Eagle, my youngest son is on his way to Eagle and is preparing to trek Philmont this summer.

During the sermon the preacher talked about how important the scouting organization was to this church. He talked about how the Scout Oath and Law were blueprints for life and how they fit with the gospel lesson where Jesus talks about fulfilling the law. The preacher spoke directly with the scouts, not at them, not preaching, but talked with them. It was a powerful moment.

The contrast with another congregation in our community is stark and embarrassing.

I learned last year that a church in our area with a long history with the scouts had pushed them out. Some in the leadership were frustrated that the scouts disrupted their church weekly and did not pay for the toilet paper they used. My understanding is that the church demanded payment for use of the facilities, a major sum, which ended up being the straw that broke the camel's back and forced the scouts to find a new home after many decades of partnership.

This same church raises money to mission out of country, yet they turned their back on a home-grown mission opportunity inside their doors every week.

I have thought about that contrast for months. Not the dollars. Not the logistics. The vision. Institutions reveal themselves in small decisions. What they protect. What they prioritize. What they’re willing to inconvenience themselves for.

One church saw disruption.

One church saw disciples.

Both had the same opportunity.