The Church Pond

Text: Mark 1:17

In Mark 1:17, Jesus makes a compelling call to His first disciples, saying, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This verse encapsulates the heart of Christian discipleship. Jesus extends a plea for us to follow Him, promising to transform us into those who can lead others to Him. However, this transformation comes with a price—the willingness to leave behind our former lives and embrace His mission fully. As we delve into the different ‘fish’ we might encounter in the church pond, let us understand how each type reflects various attitudes and behaviors within the Christian community.

The Eel Fish—Too Slippery

The Eel Fish in the church pond is elusive and difficult to grasp. Just as Thomas was in and out of belief and presence in John 20, these members are inconsistent in their faith journey. They might be present one moment and absent the next, particularly when their presence is most needed. Their slipperiness signifies a lack of commitment, making them unreliable in the church’s mission. Charles Spurgeon once said, “A little faith will bring your soul to heaven, but a great faith will bring heaven to your soul.” The Eel Fish needs to develop steadfast faith that clings to the promises of God, ensuring they are always present and contributing to the community’s spiritual health.

These individuals often struggle with doubt and indecision, much like Thomas, who needed to see Jesus’ wounds to believe in His resurrection. Encouraging these members involves fostering a deeper relationship with Christ and the community, helping them to anchor their faith. By nurturing their belief and providing a supportive environment, we can help the Eel Fish become more dependable and engaged, thereby strengthening the church’s overall mission.

The Mud Fish—Found in Dirty Places

Mud Fish are those who find themselves frequently in undesirable or compromising situations. Like the prodigal son in Luke 15, they are often entangled in worldly pursuits that lead them away from God’s path. These members run with a crowd that indulges in ‘muddy’ behaviors, feasting off the flesh pots of this world rather than the spiritual nourishment provided by God. Matthew Henry once remarked, “Those who indulge in the delights of the world are but feeding on husks.” These individuals need to be reminded of the prodigal son’s return and the Father’s readiness to welcome them back with open arms.

The challenge with Mud Fish is to redirect their focus from the transient pleasures of the world to the eternal joy found in Christ. The church must reach out to these individuals with compassion and grace, offering them a clean slate and a supportive community to help them break free from their destructive patterns. By emphasizing God’s unconditional love and the transformative power of His grace, we can help Mud Fish find their way back to the clear waters of a righteous life.

The Catfish—All Mouth

Catfish are known for being all mouth and no action. They resemble Simon Peter, who was often quick to speak and slow to act, as seen in various accounts throughout the Gospels. These members talk a great deal about faith and good works but rarely follow through with tangible actions. Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.” The Catfish needs to learn the importance of aligning their words with their deeds, embodying the Christian call to live out one’s faith through actions.

These individuals can be transformed by being encouraged to take concrete steps in their faith journey, such as participating in community service, joining small groups, and actively engaging in church activities. By creating opportunities for them to serve and contribute meaningfully, we can help them move beyond mere words to impactful actions, thereby enriching their spiritual lives and the lives of those around them.

The Flounder Fish—Eye on One Side

Flounder Fish have a skewed perspective, often seeing only one side of things. They are like Elisha’s servant in 2 Kings 6, who could only see the enemy’s army and not the heavenly host surrounding them. These members focus narrowly on their own views and experiences, often missing the bigger picture of God’s work in the world. To quote C.S. Lewis, “We must lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us.” Flounder Fish need to broaden their vision and understand that God’s ways and plans are far greater than their limited perspective.

Helping Flounder Fish involves encouraging them to seek a fuller understanding of God’s plans and purposes. This can be achieved through Bible study, prayer, and community discussions that expose them to diverse viewpoints and deepen their understanding of God’s omnipotence. By expanding their spiritual sight, we enable them to appreciate the multifaceted nature of God’s work and become more effective in their faith journey.

The Toad Fish—Always Blowing Up

Toad Fish are prone to swelling up and reacting explosively when things do not go their way. They are similar to the elder brother in Luke 15, who became angry and resentful when his father celebrated the return of the prodigal son. These members are easily offended and often wear their feelings on their sleeves, leading to frequent conflicts and disruptions. As Richard Baxter once said, “Keep company with the more cheerful sort of the godly; there is no mirth like the mirth of believers.” Toad Fish need to learn to manage their emotions and respond to situations with grace and patience.

These individuals can benefit from teachings on forgiveness, humility, and the importance of maintaining unity within the body of Christ. By fostering a culture of understanding and empathy, the church can help Toad Fish control their reactions and cultivate a more Christ-like attitude. This transformation not only benefits the individual but also promotes harmony and cohesiveness within the church community.

The Crab Fish—Go in Either Direction

Crab Fish are known for their tendency to move backward, much like Lot’s wife in Genesis 19:26, who looked back at Sodom and turned into a pillar of salt. These members often cling to the past, struggling to move forward in their spiritual journey. As George Santayana famously said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Crab Fish need to learn to let go of past mistakes and regrets, focusing instead on the new life that Christ offers.

The church can support Crab Fish by encouraging them to embrace God’s forgiveness and the promise of a new beginning. This involves helping them to understand that dwelling on the past hinders their spiritual growth and that God calls them to look forward to the future He has prepared for them. Through counseling, prayer, and support groups, Crab Fish can learn to release their hold on the past and move confidently towards their God-given destiny.

The Goldfish—Loved by All

Goldfish are admired and appreciated by everyone, much like Peter and John in Acts 3:4, who said, “Look at us.” These members are a credit to the church family, exemplifying Christ-like qualities that inspire and uplift others. Their presence is a source of encouragement and their actions reflect the love and grace of God. As John Wesley once said, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can.” Goldfish embody this principle, serving as shining examples of Christian faith and service.

To nurture and multiply Goldfish within the church, it is essential to recognize and celebrate their contributions, encouraging others to follow their example. By providing opportunities for service and leadership, we can help these individuals continue to grow and inspire others. The church thrives when its members emulate the love and dedication of Goldfish, creating a vibrant and dynamic community of faith.

As we reflect on the different types of ‘fish’ in the church pond, let us remember that each member has the potential for transformation through Christ. By addressing the unique challenges and strengths of each type, we can foster a more vibrant and effective church community. Jesus calls us to be fishers of men, and by embracing this call, we can help bring others into the abundant life He offers. Let us commit to nurturing and supporting one another, growing together in faith and love as we follow our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.