Bottlenecking

Bottlenecks provide great opportunities for deer hunters because they offer changes in the terrain by funneling game into a smaller area where savvy hunters can set up an ambush. Deer are more comfortable in big woods and thickets because they feel hidden and secure. They can be a little edgy in bottlenecks because they have less deep cover. And a hunter smiles when sitting in a bottleneck watching the trophy buck pass through his (or her!) rifle sights.

But bottlenecks are not so good at church. And one common cause for church bottlenecks (or traffic jams) is the leadership structure. Say someone gets an idea about something she'd like to do for the Lord. Now what? Take it to a deacon? An elder? The preacher? Then what, one of these leaders take it to the infamous "next meeting" where it will be discussed, possibly tabled until the "next meeting?" Why, by the time the person gets a response she may have lost her passion for the project!

One of my preacher friends once said that no one needs man's permission to do something God has already given him permission (or command) to do. Great idea! So what is it you want to do for the Lord's honor? What is your idea? If you could do anything for God, knowing you couldn't fail, what would you do?

Let's let the deer hunters enjoy bottlenecks or we may find ourselves stuck in the neck of a bottle at church with great ideas and energy dying all around.

--Terrell