(article published in The Journal newspaper February 23, 2006)

As a newly called pastor to Ogdensburg’s First Baptist Church last fall, I was excited about moving into my new home. Having discarded all my “junk” (9 trips to the dump with my station wagon!), I was thrilled to begin anew with a place for everything and everything in its place. Even before the last few boxes were unpacked, though, I went to Walmart and purchased a birdfeeder to hang from a tree just outside my new study. I enjoy bird watching and haven’t had such an ideal view for it in many years. Of course, I bought seed – three different kinds, in fact, with hopes of attracting every kind of bird in the “Burg.”

First came the chickadees. I was thrilled! I love their birdcalls and the way they dart so quickly back and forth. Then came the familiar house sparrows. Well, every feeder has to attract a few of them, I guess. Next to arrive were the purple finches. Yes, they added some color to the menagerie. And from time to time I spotted a nuthatch on the tree trunk, waiting patiently for a turn at the feeder. I don’t know how it goes in the bird world, but it seems as word got out, more and more sparrows were clamoring for equal time on the perches. Chickadees are now more difficult to spot, and I haven’t seen a nuthatch in several weeks. To make matters worse, blackbirds, mourning doves and even pigeons now scavenge on the ground beneath the feeder. And of course, a squirrel or two who were foiled at the feeder, have to settle for leftovers on the ground. My disappointment mounted as I wondered where the more colorful birds were – the cardinals, titmice, and blue jays and those peculiar juncos. Those are the birds I really want to attract! The ground feeders and pesky squirrels, why, I’m not interested in their presence at all! Why is that?

 Why do I want some kinds of birds at my feeder and not the others? I suppose some are just more interesting to me, more pleasing to the eye or more quirky in their behavior. As I ponder my seemingly innocent prejudice, I cannot help but think about my own call as a pastor and as a follower of Jesus Christ. What kinds of people do I want to attract? In this period of mainline denominational membership decline, who does my church hope to attract? Certainly, we would like those who are colorful, gifted and creative and willing to carry out our ministries. What kinds of new seed must we put out in order to attract those folks? And what if more and more “pew-sitters” come, those folks who don’t seem to get involved with the “work” of the church? These questions pertain not only to church life. I ask you, the reader, as well – who do you welcome or NOT in your own life and sphere of influence because of your own prejudices and preferences? What is our purpose? Are we here to attract people and things for our own enjoyment and pleasure or are we called to care for others?

It is my firm belief that Jesus was never into the attraction game. He told his disciples that he came not to be served but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28) . His invitation to relationship with God and membership in “the kingdom of heaven” was and still is to all who would come. “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30) .” Also, God is concerned about and loves all of creation. The Bible tells us that five sparrows are sold for two pennies yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight and not one of them will fall to the ground apart from God (Matthew 10:29, Luke 12:6) . Sparrows, huh? OK, I’m getting it. I think I’ll head out now to Walmart for some more birdseed. And while I’m at it, I’ll pick up some cracked corn for the squirrels, blackbirds and pigeons. Who knows? I may learn a lesson or two more at the birdfeeder.