Here are two ways of thinking about church: is it a Cruise Ship? Or is it a Fellow Ship?
Questions about taking a trip on the Cruise Ship:
Do I like the music they play?
Do I like the captain and her or his crew?
Does the captain invite me to eat at her or his table?
Is the service they provide me good?
Are all my needs being met?
Is my cruise always pleasant?
Is it comfortable?
Do I want to cruise with them again someday?
Questions about taking a trip on the Fellow Ship:
How can I pay closer attention to the captain’s teaching?
How can I take better care of the other passengers?
How often can I eat with the passengers and crew in the lunchroom or invite some of them to my cabin for a meal?
What can I share with other passengers who don’t have all they need?
Acts 2:42-47 (loosely paraphrased) Everyone was filled with awe and many wonders and miracles were happening on the Fellow Ship. All the folks were sharing together and no one seemed to have any shortages. They met together everyday, even shared meals in their staterooms, and all seemed glad and sincere. They prayed to and praised God. Everyone on the ship seemed to favor them. As they came into new ports along the way many new people got on board the Fellow Ship.
Article by Roger Knox, pastor at Silverton Friends and NWYM elder
