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What the Church Could Learn from STOMP

Orginally published on Monday, March 09, 2009 at 6:20 AM
by Todd Rhoades


This past week, I had the opportunity to take a couple of days vacation in New York City with my wife and another couple. We had a great time seeing all the sites, and experiencing the city. And on our first day there, we took in the show STOMP... you know, the show that features rhythmic people using brooms, trash cans, and anything/everything imaginable to entertain.

The four of us really enjoyed the show. But as I was watching, I had one thought: Each of these people are incredibly talented. They can do things with brooms and pipes and matchboxes that I could never imagine. But let's face it... if there was just one of these people on stage beating on a trash can lid, it wouldn't be much of a show. Without the other members of the STOMP troupe, each cast member would most probably be a candidate for David Letterman's 'stupid human tricks' segment. But together with the rest of the show's crew, they have created an entertaining and mezmerizing show. By combining their talents with the talents of other, something incredible is created...

It reminds me so much of the church, when it’s working properly.  One person may be talented in beating a drum (literally), but others may be a gifted communicator; one may show compassion while another provides hard, but truthful counsel; one may serve with children while another may deliver meals to and care for widows.  It’s what makes the church so beautiful.  One church made up of people with many talents and giftings.

The New Testament describes our roles in the church compared to the human body.  Each part of the body has a specific purpose, and each purpose is necessary for the body to work properly.

I Corinthians 12 puts it this way:  “The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don’t, 26 the parts we see and the parts we don’t. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance. 27 You are Christ’s body—that’s who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your “part” mean anything.” (The Message)

Just like the performance of STOMP we saw in New York City, it’s important for all of us to work together as a team in the church, respecting what EVERYONE brings to the table.  We must work together and combine our talents for the common goal of the Gospel.  It is then, and only then, that the church will mesh together into the beautiful thing that God has made her to be.

Have a great week,

Todd


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  There are 6 Comments:

  • Posted by

    This is brilliant!  I appreciate it.  I’m gonna use it. 

    Next week you should write about:  “How to go on Vacation and NOT think about work.” j/k I have benefited greatly from you not being able to turn off your mind.

  • Posted by

    There’s plenty to apply.
    Take a rag-tag looking bunch of people…
    Give them minimal material to work with....a bunch of common place items, some junk and even garbage…
    Add imagination, creativity, commitment, hardwork and enthusiasm along with a tremendous sense of humor and focus....and you can create amazing things!!!

    Something else to consider and/or apply...They do a fantastic job of connecting with the audience while telling wonderful and intriguing stories...some of the best moments are the simplest ones and they do the vast majority of their communicating without speaking a word.

  • Posted by Peter Hamm

    I like it!

    A key part of this is giving away ministry, which many are not so quick to do. I had to take most of this last weekend off, and one of my worship teams that I don’t play on took over. Only this time, I wasn’t even here for setup or rehearsal, only for the service. Not one paid professional on the platform leading worship.

    They did an ASTOUNDINGLY good job… and I’m NOT threatened by it! I’m encouraged by it. The week before, similar. Only that week, because of some travel and such, there was a volunteer preaching, an all-volunteer worship team with a volunteer leader, and no paid staff in our Kids Church.

    AWESOME!

    Equip the saints, people!

  • Posted by Tye Male

    If you look on their website you will learn that they do not look for people to fill specific positions. They look for talented people and see how their talent can enhance the performance of the troupe.

    Isn’t this what we should be doing in the church?

  • Posted by Peter Hamm

    Tye

    YES!

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