Ridgell's Originals

I have noticed an interesting thing lately.  Our internet went out recently.  We called our provider.  They could not fix it remotely but were happy to send out a technician.  In a week.  And charge us for it.  And if we were not there during the three hour window, we would get charged for the visit anyway.  If they were late, it was too bad.  We better be there.

Worst cusomer service ever.  Terrible.  

But here is what is strange.  Every single person I met or talked to was actually nice.  Tried to help.  Didn't even like what they had to tell me.  Apologized.  But the organization is terrible.

Ever work with an insurance company on a claim.  It sure seems like the company is committed to not giving you what you have been paying for.  But again, every person I have ever dealt with seems like they want to help.  It is the company that is so bad.

I even see it in large medical organizations.  ruthless.  Cut-throat.  Impersonal.  Except almost every Doctor, nurse, tech, admin, support person seems like they really care and want to help.  It is the organization that is ruthless.

It makes me wonder if churches are ever like that. 

We all know churches that are a mess.  That do damage.  The do not respond to crisis.  Defensive.  

But I know lots of Christians at unhealthy churches.  They love Jesus.  They love people.  They are trying to live the Christian life.  They care.

It is the organization that becomes something different.  You know, Church instead of church.

So what is the point I am trying to make.

I don't know.  I am just thinking out loud.  And really hoping the church is more than just a large organization with lots of great people in a toxic envirnment where the organization comes before the people.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM