Help Wanted: Professional Christians

I have recently been introduced to the concept of a "professional Christian". On first blush it sounded like some new frontier in job growth. I thought about how wonderful it sounded and how well I was suited for such a position. I have a degree from seminary, I go to church all the time, so where could I sign up? But upon further explanation I realized I was already quite familiar with the concept if not the vernacular. The term "professional Christian" is not on its face either endearing or derogatory. It is what it claims to be. The term refers to a person that has been in church for so long that they know the pace and language by heart, without having to think about the proper response, or search themselves in anticipation of what comes next. It is that man or woman that recites in their sleep the steps of service, the length of the message, the timing of the prayers and the gait of the ushers. This is not necessarily a decay inside of the church, but it does lend itself to complacency if not kept in check. So it was with that definition in mind that I consider myself a professional Christian. But as I pondered the term I wondered about the flip side. Was there group that exemplified amateur Christians? What was it about them that deserved the descriptor of amateur? Did they strive to be professional like myself, or were they happy in their place? And worst of all, could only they qualify for the US Olympic Team? Who exactly is the amateur Christian? This is the man or woman, boy or girl who perhaps slips into church unsure of how he or she will be received by the gathered masses. This person might have only just come to know Jesus, and to their dismay knows none of the well-worn songs blasted in giant letters on the screen above and sung rhythmically if not always passionately by the professionals. When time for offering comes, this amateur tepidly takes the plate and passes it, thinking that the others may judge her for putting too little in, and therefore resigns from offering anything. During the message this amateur listens intently, hearing for the first time the wonders and joys of his Lord that the others around him have heard on multiple previous occasions. The amateur cares not for the time, and in fact forgot to bring a watch, caring only that this new life changing relationship is nurtured. Then the time comes for prayer. The amateur does not want to be seen out of step, and bows her head with the rest of the congregation. But as the pastor prays, she peeks up with a single open eye to make sure she is doing the right thing. That is when the amateur is calmed by the silent voice inside her heart. She puts her head back down and realizes that there are only two people in the building now. It is her and her Lord, and she is talking to him as a curious child to her loving parent. Offering praise and petition as best she knows how, ignorant of the correct Christianeese in which to frame it, but equally joyous that she is bringing it to the feet of the Most High. Prayer ends and the amateur has lingered too long, her head bobbing up several seconds after the professionals. But the amateur does not care. His heart has been renewed, and as the congregation is dismissed, several minutes later than usual to the dismay of some of the professionals. The amateur marvels at how all the others have come to learn the things they have. Will he ever be professional like them? Will he ever know all the words, all the timing, all the language to mingle with the professionals? If her heart remains open, her spirit joyous, her relationship with the Most High her most important asset, then yes, may she one day be as professional as the others. But if the weight and complacency of being among the elite strangles her true desire, kills her want and worship of the Lord, then may it never be. Remaining a rank amateur would be a much more praiseworthy.