A Hole in One
By David Faust
I have never been a golfer—unless you count Putt-Putt. When we were kids, my brothers and I dug holes in the yard and walked around with baseball bats, trying to knock a rubber ball into the holes. It was our version of the Masters.
Dad didn’t complain about the holes in the lawn. He considered sports a healthy outlet for his three sons, so he allowed us to play baseball in the yard even though we created bare spots for the baselines. Dad quipped, “I’ll have time to raise grass after I raise my boys.” He erected a basketball backboard in the driveway, and he put another one in the barn so we could play during bad weather. He pounded metal stakes into the ground and strung electric lights so we could pitch horseshoes after dark on summer nights.
He drew the line, though, when it came to golf. One day I was riding with Dad in his pickup truck when we drove past a new golf course that was being built outside of town. Knowing our family’s love for sports, I asked, “Will we play golf?” I still remember Dad’s answer: “Golf is for rich people.” He couldn’t fathom spending the time and money golf required.
I didn’t step onto a golf course until I was in my late 20s. By then, I had several reasons not to play. One reason was pride. I didn’t want to embarrass myself. I didn’t have the right equipment or the right clothes to wear. I didn’t understand all the rules and protocols, and I felt like others were watching to see if I did something wrong. I might drive the golf cart in the wrong spot. I might accidently cough or sneeze while another golfer was preparing to swing. If I hit a wild shot, I might even hurt someone. Plus, I was busy, and I didn’t have the time and money to spend on golf. When I worked as a college administrator, we held golf outings to raise money, but I didn’t really play the game. Although I’m happy my friends enjoy the sport, and I respect the skill it requires, you won’t find me on a golf course anytime soon.
It’s Not Just a Game
I wonder, What if the way I feel about golf is the way non-Christians feel about the church? They don’t want to feel awkward in a public place. They don’t want to commit to something that will take a lot of time and money. They aren’t familiar with our rules and protocols, and they don’t want to be judged if they mess up. They wonder if there’s a dress code, and they aren’t sure they will enjoy the songs we sing. Just as I find it difficult to understand why anyone would devote a half-day to playing golf (or watching it on TV), most of our neighbors think they have better things to do than going to church.
And yet . . . there is a God-shaped hole in every human heart. Sin has left a void in our souls. Sports can’t fill that empty spot. Neither can work, money, riches, pleasure, fame, friends, or any other earthly endeavor. No hobby or human achievement can fill that hole.
That’s why the church needs to be authentic, safe, and welcoming. Christians need to be magnets who draw others toward Christ instead of repelling and confusing them. With golf, it’s OK to take it or leave it. But everybody needs the grace of God.
Personal Challenge: Evaluate what outsiders experience when they visit your church gatherings or small group. Do they understand the language and customs you use? Do you see any obstacles that might prevent seekers from encountering God’s grace?
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