The Church - Like A Cruise Ship or Rescue Ship?

I have received quite a few requests from newhopers wanting the part of my message on Sunday about the difference between a Cruise Ship and a Rescue Ship. Per requests, this was a part of my sermon on March 30, 2008 and was adapted from Paul Kaak's work with "New Directions for Small Groups.


The Church, newhope, is NOT a Cruise Ship. We all love cruise ships but let me tell you - the church is far more like a Rescue Ship. Let me explain:

➢ On a Cruise Ship, people expect to be served.
➢ On a Rescue Ship people expect to serve!

➢ On a Cruise Ship the staff takes care of the passengers.
➢ On a Rescue Ship those on board take care of one another!

➢ On a Cruise Ship gratification comes from comfort and the beautiful scenery.
➢ On a Rescue Ship gratification comes from participating in the mission!

➢ On a Cruise Ship relationships are superficial.
➢ On a Rescue Ship relationships are close-knit and meaningful!

➢ On a Cruise Ship not much is expected of the passengers.
➢ On a Rescue Ship every person matters and participates in the mission!

➢ On a Cruise Ship the energy is put into those who are “on board.”
➢ On a Rescue Ship the energy is put into those who are “out there!”

➢ On a Cruise Ship the captain responds to the people’s request.
➢ On a Rescue Ship the people respond to the captain’s direction!

➢ On a Cruise Ship you hear “I like this” or “I don’t like that”.
➢ On a Rescue Ship you hear “How can I help?”

➢ On a Cruise Ship the thrill comes from the food and service.
➢ On a Rescue Ship the thrill comes from accomplishing the mission!

➢ On a Cruise Ship individuals rejoice when they get to sit at the Captain’s table.
➢ On a Rescue Ship everyone rejoices when one who is lost is saved!


God is calling the Church, beloved, to be a Rescue Ship in the midst of the troubled and rough waters of the 21st Century! The mission of the Church, newhope, is to rescue people, not to serve the saved. And while a Cruise ship might seem more appealing, I can promise you that being on a rescue ship is FAR more fulfilling.

May we always remain blessable by our God because we are engaged in the rescue mission for which He came, lived, bled, died, and ultimately rose from the grave.

"I have come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Jesus in Luke 19:10)