'I'm not a fan of Jesus'

"I've never seen you paint."

… said the collector to the painter Jasper Johns.

“Neither have I.”

Watching is different than doing. Trying to do both at the same time is a challenge.

– Seth Godin, February 11, 2024.]

I have never once watched or listened to one of my sermons in nearly 15 years of full-time ministry. And I’ve never really stopped to ask myself why. I don’t mind the sound of myself on recordings like some people do. I don’t necessarily think my sermons are bad (although I’ve certainly thought that a few times). There is just something about being done with it when I’m done with it, I guess. Time to move on to the next one. I honestly don’t think it’s any deeper than that.

I was watching an interview with the actor Johnny Depp recently. He was being interviewed alongside a comedian friend of his who joked that Johnny had never seen one of his movies. Depp responded, “I haven’t seen any of my movies.” I checked online and it seems to be true! He has stated publicly on numerous occasions that he has never once watched one of his movies. Doesn’t that seem odd?

The little excerpt above about the painter and the collector really made me stop and think when I read it this morning. What kinds of things do we watch and what kinds of things do we do? I realized that I haven’t “went to church” as a regular church member more than five or so times in the last 15 years. I’m in church a lot. I’m participating in church all the time. But when it comes to going or just “watching,” it’s been a while.

Do you feel like you’re a member of the church or a member of the crowd? There was a devotional for teenagers about 10 years ago that asked the question, “Are you a fan or a follower of Jesus?” They sold these little bracelets that simply read, “I’m not a fan of Jesus.” The idea was to challenge kids to be more than just a fan. More than just an observer. Be a follower.

In what ways do you sit back and watch when you could be part of the team? I’m not making any accusations because I do it too. Sometimes I’d love nothing more than to sit and listen without having any responsibilities. But even if I weren’t preaching, I think I’d still find a way to be involved. I couldn’t help it. I believe God calls every member of the church to be an active member. I don’t believe you can be too young or too old. I don’t think there’s such a thing as “not quite ready” or even “I’ve done my time.” But we’re all guilty of thinking it.

There is more than a place in the pews for you here. There’s a purpose. I’ll bet you can find it.