Captian D's and the Church

It is common knowledge among my friends, family, and church members that I love Captain D's. I've been dining at the "Great Little Seafood Place" for nearly thirty years. It's safe to say I've eaten at Captain D's an average of once a week since I was just a tot. One week while at Camp Glisson I slipped out to visit the brand new Dahlonega D's three or four times in a week. I guess that makes up for this year's Forty Days of Lent when I fasted from the D's.
While enjoying the brand new Triple Treasure last week, I got to thinking about the connection, if any, between Captain D's and the Church. So here is a list of some of my tentative thoughts.
1. I like Captain D's because it is different. When it comes to fast casual dining (If you've gone through a Captain D's drive through you know it isn't a fast food restaurant) there aren't many seafood franchises out there. The only competitor that I can think of offhand is Long John Silvers. And for the record, I do not support seafaring terrorists.
2. I like Captain D's because the food is good. Captain D's cooks up some good food. I like they way the cook their fish. It is tasty. Very seldom do I get fish that tastes really fishy. Captain D's offers a variety of seafood as well. You will find baked, broiled, blackened, battered dip, and classic style fish. The D's also serves a variety of fish: cod, catfish, talipia, flounder, and trout to name a few. Then there is shrimp of all sorts: popcorn, double dozen, poppers, and classic style to name a few. D's also offers a variety of sides: corn, okra, broccoli, steamed vegggies, slaw, fries, and even fried pickles. You can even order some pretty good chicken at the D's. When I was kid Captain D's even offered hamburgers and cheeseburgers. In short, the D's offers a variety of good tasty food.
3. I like Captain D's because they aren't afraid to try new things. Captain D's is always innovating. They have the classic meals on their menu, but the D's isn't afraid to try new things. Last year Captain D's had buttermilk biscuit shrimp with gravy dipping sauce on their menu. Boy was it good! Sometimes these new menu items are great, but sometimes they are a flop. I wasn't a real fan of the Mardi Gras shrimp and I really don't like the new fish sandwich. Bring back the Captain Catch Combo!
4. I like Captain D's because they greet me when I walk in the door and are quick to say "Thanks for coming and come back soon" when I walk out the door. I feel welcomed at Captain D's.
So what about the church? Can we learn something from the D's? I think so.
1. Is the church different? Do we offer something different from the rest of what the world is offering? Take a moment at what the world is peddling. Is the church trying to offer the same?
2. Is what we are offering good? I personally am striving for excellence in my ministry. I will be quick to tell you that I got a long way to go. I was actually surprised that I created a bulletin without any errors last Sunday. Is the church doing its best to offer its best? And what is the church offering? There are a variety of needs in the world. Is the church doing its best to minister well to some of those needs?
3. Is the church willing to try new things? This doesn't mean we stray from the foundations of our faith. Captain D's still offers the classic meals that made them what they are; however, they aren't afraid to try new menu items. The world around us is changing. Is the church doing its best to meet those needs in the best way possible?
I think the following is an important growing edge for the church. When Captain D's adds new items to the menu it takes some items off the menu. Captain D's has expanded their menu over the years, but the menu isn't so big that it keeps them from being effective. I believe there are is likely a ministry or two in each local church that probably should be taken off the menu so a new ministry and the overall church can be more effective.
4. Does the church make people feel welcomed? Are we expressing gratitude and hospitality to the strangers among us? This goes beyond saying hello and goodbye. I really enjoy how Captain D's is always seeking customer feedback. One time I went to a Captain D's and had a really bad experience. I called the customer feedback number and expressed by concern. When I went back the store, I never experienced that problem again.
I've written more than I expected. This could be seeds for a book or a D.Min project. Now that would be interesting! I welcome any feedback.