18 Mar, 2026 The Parable of the Wedding Feast – Part II
The below modern parable is shaped from the comments of a town’s delivery coordinator in a gospel effort called ‘Hope Project’. It is a challenging read.
The Hope Project booklet delivery is relatively simple to achieve across about 90% of the communities we connect with. However, sometimes it is not. We share this with a view to what we could learn.
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The Parable of the Wedding Feast – Part II
Jesus explained how, with the most-pharisaical of his invited guests having made their excuses, a King had ordered that invitations to the Feast be extended to the ‘unwashed masses’ on the byways and highways instead (Matthew 22:1-14).
In my country, it was later realised that most in the community had no one trying to pass on this invitation from the King. An effort was, however, initiated that could pass this important invitation on to all. No conversations or door-knocking were required. It was deliberately very simple. TV and web media would convey the message, while printed invitations would be gifted to each home. Paid for by a small few, all the King’s servants had to do was rally a few of those they led to deliver the invitations.
There was no equivalent effort anywhere in sight.
The majority of those who would receive the invitations would hear of it by no other means – in the present year at least.
Involvement from less than 5% of the Kings servants in the town was needed to accomplish the small task – which could be done and dusted within a mere 90 minutes. (For Tauranga, involvement from just 1% of church attendees covers the whole city.) It really couldn’t be made easier.
>> All that was needed was willingness from the lead servants.
However…
…when the lead servants were invited, many were quickly unable or unwilling to share the vision with or involve those they led.
- One said, “If we had more time we might help. We’re too busy and we need more time.” The irony was, they had been reminded to put this in their calendars five months prior – and two years prior. More couldn’t have been done.
- Another said, “This isn’t our thing. We do our own things.” They didn’t perceive this wider work and request to be their responsibility. They also did seem to only do their own things.
- Another wanted a meeting first, because – in their words – they hadn’t consented to this invitation going out. They seemed nervous they might somehow be obligated – then stating when they realised this wasn’t the case that their people were too old. They were free to decline – but was the reason given true? The reality was that many could still walk perfectly fine, while others had mobility scooters. I’ve known older people to consider it a privilege to be involved – even if delivering only 1 or 2 per streets day, to cover areas near their home. They considered involvement a privilege.
- Another validly said they were maxed out, with many recent changes in their small congregation. This one made sense. No person can do everything.
And so it came down to three remaining churches whose instinct was different. “Of course. What a great goal,” said one. “That sounds simple. I’m sure we could help,” said another.
While the extent of their help varied in proportion to how clearly they perceived the purpose, their combined capacity was enough to see…
The result
…The Kings invitation was passed on to half the community. We rejoiced in this. The King was surely pleased these had an opportunity.
However, I’m left wondering how he feels about the rest.
All that was needed was willingness by some people to go for a walk.
The request made to the lead servants couldn’t be easier.
I have to admit that I don’t understand.
After the unused invitations had sat there for a while they were placed in the recycling bin.
The environmentalists felt pleased.
Closing comments from Dave Mann
We stand grateful to all church leaders and members who have participated over the years.
We affirm that no individual or church has to help also. We genuinely believe God’s Church is amazing!
What is achieved is also simply outstanding. 15 years ago, who would have believed?!
However, the above story is concurrently true. I pass it on with a view to what we could learn.
Regarding solutions – this bit is important:
The best practical solution I can see for the thinking and perspective gaps reflected in this story. is application of the ‘quarterly pastors’ group discussion’ – as suggested in the quarterly updates that go to pastors’ group convenors nationwide – as accessed via the top right of https://alltogether.co.nz/pastorsgroups
- This brief, simple, friendly, open discussion gives the stage to any pastor in the room to share what they or their members are doing in (a) 2 selected spheres of influence and/or (b) any coming national seasons… thereby covering all seasons and 8 spheres of influence in a year.
- Anything mentioned is then applauded and prayed for.
- The point is in the perspective and sight all present gain through this OF WHAT THE CHURCH IS, AND OF WHAT IT IS DOING IN THEIR CITY? The ideas is very simple. The implications would be progressive, and profound.
- I suggest this is the kind of solution we only comprehend once we have truly comprehended the nature and also enduring / cyclical nature of the problem. Its strength is its practical simplicity – while this is also why most will fail to comprehend its potential as a tool for augmenting thinking, perspectives and values in leaders. With time, ‘may he who has ears, hear; may he who has eyes, see.’