Don’t Serve Me Burnt Pizza
ByMy family and I went out to eat tonight. We went to a restaurant where we had been several times. We have always enjoyed eating there. The food has always been good. The service has been good. the atmosphere is good. Everything about the restaurant was always been good. That’s why we have gone back.
Tonight one thing was different. The food was awful. We ordered pizza. Nothing fancy, just a sausage pizza. 
We waited for 30+ minutes for the pizza. The waitress brought it out and it was…burnt. You could tell by the look on her face as she was cutting it that she was prepared for us to say something. She served it with a little bit of fear. Why? Because she knew something was wrong. She didn’t want to hear about it. She didn’t want to deal with the negative. Was it her fault the pizza was burnt? No. But, she still served the pizza.
It was her negligence in serving the pizza. She should have told the cook, “I’m not serving this to one of my customers.” But, she didn’t. She settled for complacency. She didn’t stand up for what was right. What would have been the best for the company. She was fearful for herself, not the customer or the company.
Her negligence cost not only her, but her company. She didn’t get a good tip. They won’t get my business anymore.
Why do I tell this story? I think this story is similar to what happens in the church way too often. People come with certain expectations. I want to be welcomed. I want to be challenged by the message. I want programs that will help me raise my children. I want my children to be in a safe and secure area. I want to know the people watching my children are not child molesters…and the list goes on.
When they come and their expectations are not met, the ones that they are the most concerned about, the root expectations, things change. They will put up with food taking longer to be prepared if the food is great. They will put up with mediocre service if the food is good. But, if the food is bad, why come back?
What we do in the church is VERY important! Having nice facilities, or wonder music, or background checks on workers, and challenging sermons are all crucial. What are the deal breakers? What are the things that we MUST provide or the people will walk and not come back?
I have some thoughts…beliefs. What are yours?
4 Comments
November 26th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Interesting transition, but I believe one that is spot on.
Too many times we find ourselves as Christians doing the same thing when it comes to our presentation of the Gospel. The truth of what Christ did, and continues to do stands on its own for sure. But we, as His followers, have been called to present this truth to people.
If we do not give Him everything we can every time we represent Him to others, then we are merely serving burnt pizza to a world that is hungry for the truth.
November 26th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Another great illustration. Thanks Jason.
December 12th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Don’t preach that same old sermon.
Don’t do another “Living Christmas Tree” - ever. How is that entertaining or relevant?
Don’t send me another Christmas letter from the pastor’s wife writing like we’re best friends. Be real.
Don’t make excuses for not leveraging blogging or micro blogging to expand your reach, create relational proximity and sharing beyond the pulpit.
Don’t let that person sing a solo that really can’t sing. You’re not being kind; you’re being manipulative.
Don’t tell me there’s not enough money in church. Instead, tell me how the vision is going to inspire sacrificial offering.
Don’t ever let “becuase we’ve always done it that way” become a part of a church leaders’ lexicon.
Don’t create a website that promises one experience and then deliver something completely different (usually not meeting expectations) once I arrive.
Don’t send out another mailer with the pastor and his wife smiling from the comfort of a Sears portrait studio. I don’t care if they dress nice or look happy; I care what you’re doing to speak into my life, so please tell me how your church has application for me and my family.
Don’t make me fill out a form on my first visit. I’ll fill something out online when I’m ready.
Don’t make me stand up or “be recognized” - even if you clap for me - by asking visitors to be welcomed. I’m not interested in false greetings. I’m interested in genuine people saying hi of their own accord and not looking or acting like a clique or club.
Don’t ask me to leave my children with your volunteers without knowing only I can pick them up (check-in systems rock for this).
Generally, don’t give excuses. Delivery authenticity, quality and passion!
December 12th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for stopping by Anthony!