Empty

Today I went to a restaurant with no one in it.  It was me and two workers.  The food was awesome.  the decorations were hip and inviting.  Parking was easy.  Why then was no one there?  I was at the restaurant for 45 minutes and outside of taking my order I was never talked to.  Not engaged...at all.  If you know me you know that I am fiercely loyal to the restaurant I pick.  I like to be on a first name basis with mangers and waiters.   

This place sold the same food as Panera Bread, one of my favorite places in the world.  The only thing I don't like about it is it is a chain.  However, at Panera two of the clerks know my name, at Panera one of the clerks asked me about a youth conference that she attended (I was the speaker).  I get great service along with my amazing Asiago Bread and broccoli and cheese soup.  They know to take the onion off of my sandwich and grill it a little longer cause they know I hate a cold center.  I am in love with Panera and its product.

What's the point?  What do our churches resemble?  If we look at ourselves our "product" is awesome (Jesus).  We may have a awesome building, decorations, media presentation, or worship but if we are not connecting with people we will be empty. This restaurant cared about their product, it was delicious.  What they didn't care about was their customer.  When the whole point is attracting customers to experience the food. If we are honest how many of our churches could say the same thing.