Bethel Presbyterian

Yesterday during the lunch hour I was close to the Chick-fil-A in Olive Branch. Just like pretty much every Chick-fil-A I know the line was around the parking lot and out in the street. I heard tires squill and I was pretty sure there had been a car crash. Sure enough when I drove past the restaurant I could see three cars had collided just at the parking lot entrance. Everyone was fine, but their cars were a mess and one man was picking up his bumper from the middle of the street. A couple of the workers were directing traffic and helping those who were in the wreck which seemed above and beyond their normal job. I began thinking about why Chick-fil-A is so popular.

I will begin by saying it is not a restaurant my family frequents very often. They do not have a lot of vegetarian options for me and my family never wants to wait in the long lines for food. However, so many people are willing to wait and wait for a chicken sandwich. Why? I think part of the reason is the quality of the food. People know that when they go there they will have a tasty chicken sandwich. The restaurant knows what it is good at and does it well. They don’t try to have something for everyone. They just do a few things very well.

Have you ever noticed what the wait staff says to you after you order? “My pleasure.” The staff is always cheery no matter what and almost always says, “My pleasure” after they serve you. It seems like such little thing, but makes such a difference. It is much more enjoyable to be in a place where people are glad to be there and seem to enjoy what they are doing than one where people seem miserable. I also believe it is an asset that the chain is true to their convictions and beliefs. Whether one agrees with their stances or not it is admirable that the company holds strong to what it values.

I think there are lessons we can learn from Chick-fil-A. As the church we don’t have to do everything. Quality really does matter, so doing a few things well is better than doing many things half heartedly. If we are kind to one another and enjoy being together others will want to join us. We don’t have to try and be something we are not, but we do have to know who we are and what we believe. Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A said, “We should be about more than just selling chicken. We should be a part of our customers’ lives and the communities in which we serve.” As the church we should be about more than just coming to worship. We should be about sharing Christ’s love with one another, the community in which we are planted, and the world. Rev.Melissa