Kinetic Church was robbed. I don’t mean by the refs in the church league basketball tournament. I mean a thief (or thieves) stole a trailer containing 75% of the Charlotte area congregation’s equipment in early March, leaving the portable church with virtually nothing.
What would you do? How would you respond? How would you define your life if you discovered that three-fourths of your tangible assets – to say nothing of the hundreds of man-hours invested in labor – were instantly gone?
Can’t relate? How about the time somebody stole your dreams or your hope? Or your reputation? Or your innocence? Or your marriage?
You won’t believe what these guys did.
They went on the offensive. They started a billboard campaign with five different messages, as well as a YouTube video aimed directly at the thief. Check out the video below.
Kinetic Church’s response illustrates some powerful lessons in transforming painful experiences into remarkable opportunities:
1. Move toward, not away from, your offenders or source of pain. I don’t mean with fists clenched! But I do mean you should avoid my natural tendency, which is to sit in a cave somewhere feeling wounded and sorry for myself. Call for a conversation, however painful or awkward.
2. Offer unilateral forgiveness. The message from Kinetic is clear: We don’t need our stuff back in order to forgive you. Reminiscent of Jesus’ prayer on the cross (“Father, forgive them”) or Stephen’s prayer at his execution, these people offered radical forgiveness. No amount of anger or even-getting could ever compare with the revolutionary power of forgiveness to take a great loss and turn it into a great gain. Let it go. Move on, with love.
3. Have a cause that’s bigger than your possessions or personal prizes. My friend Butch Lowery used to say, “If all your problems could be solved by money, you don’t have a problem.” This congregation recognized that the thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy – but thieves don’t dictate their agenda. Jesus came to offer abundant life. That means hope. Joy. Power. Love. Significant losses will test where your real treasures lie. Mourn your losses, but reach higher.
4. Ask others for help. Times of loss are no time to be proud. The church has started a “Trailer Recovery Fund” and has appealed to the larger Body of believers worldwide for help. They’ve even made it possible for individuals and organizations to donate online. Life-changing relationships are often formed by those who walk in the door when you’re hurting the most. Let people know how they can help you.
5. Be an example of what you want your children or followers to be. The church has pretty much given up ever seeing their stuff again. But they have memories – and witnesses – who are still around, and still watching. What an awesome, awkward, thrilling, devastating teachable moment! I would want my kids or grandchildren to grow up in a church like this.
6. Take a decisive message to “the street.” Boy, did they ever come out of the cave! One billboard says: “Church Trailer Thief: Enjoying our communion trays?” Another says, “Church Trailer Stolen. Seriously? Are you kidding me?” My favorite, albeit a bit crude: “Church Trailer Thief, Stealing from God… Ballsy.” The church took the opportunity to be remarkable. They talked about their feelings in a public forum. And they offered an opportunity for dialogue and new relationships – not just with the thief, but with the entire city. People can’t help but notice.
7. Change directions, but don’t quit. The word “kinetic” means “self-generating movement.” I love it! And from the look of things, the congregation may have zigged a little, but they’re still in motion. I want to be like that. You should, too.
Bad stuff happens. But your reaction to it can transform it into something remarkable. Even life-changing.
Forward this message to people you know by clicking “Share This” below. Help Kinetic Church, if you feel impressed to do so. Just don’t pity them. With wisdom, courage, and leadership like that, I think they will do quite well.
Learning from them, however, would be a good idea.
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Love it!!! I can’t imagine doing it, to be honest, but I love that they did! Now, to apply it at home….
thanks for pointing me to this story. neat video.
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