Last week we came back from our annual “out of the box” Texas trip. While there were a number of adventures, my favorite was our fly fishing trip. Our host had set up an afternoon of fly fishing on the Guadeloupe River. Apparently this river is one of the top fly fishing rivers in the United States. Fly Fishing happened to be one of my bucket list items, so I really enjoyed the day. Unfortunately, we learned why it is called “fishing” and not “catching”. We had a great time anyway and ate at a catfish place on the way home.
Before we got on the river, our outfitter spent some time on the shore teaching us the art of casting. I am a bass fisherman, so the whole idea of casting the line instead of the lure was more difficult than I anticipated. After about 45 minutes of lessons and practice, our guide started preparing the flies. He was explaining the process behind catching trout. He told us why he had selected the particular flies we were using. He talked about how the fish often wait for the fly to float downstream. Before he tied the final fly, he added a small hook with a colorful piece of rubber on a short leader. He then explained to us the purpose of the “attractor” as he called it.
It seems that we were near the end of the season for trout and that many of them were wiser and more sluggish. He explained that the “attractor” was used to get the attention of the fish. He said sometimes they will attack the “attractor”, so it has a small hook attached. Often, the “attractor” works to get the attention of the fish and then the fish notices the fly that is coming downstream.
This got me to thinking about the application to rural ministry. I realize that in rural ministry people are slow to trust and come to church. It is a long process for most people to make a commitment to a rural ministry and many are very hesitant. They remind me of that late season trout who is content to simply wait. I am starting to think about our ministry and how this principle relates to “fishing for men”. I am wondering what we are doing to “attract” people to the message of Christ? I am not talking about the old days of bigger and better Sunday gimmicks. I am thinking about the things that make people in our community curious to seek more information about who we are and what we are all about.
THOT – What are the “attractors” that you are developing and using to make people in your community curious about the gospel? Could a simple principle from fly fishing be something that would enhance our ministry to our community?
