Some years ago a staff member was driving our church van and noticed that the right front tire needed air. He went to different stations and found that each required 50 cents for air. Finally, he pulled into a tire shop and told them that he didn’t have any money, could they please put some air in his tire. The manager motioned him into the stall, where they fixed the tire and filled it with air. After handing him the keys, the manager said, “No charge.”
I was in the market for new tires, and as you can guess, I purchased them at that store. As I paid, I asked the manager if he had any idea why I purchased tires from him. He said he would like to know why. I told him the above story. He said something I will never forget. “Pastor Blue, I know you can purchase tires anywhere in town, all I can give you is service.”
Some pastors flatter themselves that they have the only truth in the city, and then complain, “The lost will not come because they just can’t stand the truth.” I don’t think that is the problem. If we give people the best service in town, they are more likely to open up to the gospel and the Church. Remember, people can find another church in your town, all you can give them is service.
Pastor Ken Blue was born in Boswell, Ark. In 1955 he accepted Christ as his Savior. He and his wife Joyce were married in 1955. They have 5 children. He graduated from Midwestern Baptist Bible College in 1969 and started the Open Door Baptist Church in Lynnwood, Wa. where he pastored for 39 years. Because of health issues (ALS) he was forced to resign as pastor. It is his desire to continue to be used of God to help pastors and believers through this ministry.