Adventure Link
Things We Learn From Veggie Tales
By Rev. Jeff Dixon, Senior Equipping Minster, CCC Ministries
Jun 1, 2007, 09:56

Things We Learn From
Veggie Tales

It is interesting, just this week in e-mail boxes across America an e-letter was distributed explaining why “numbers” were a Biblical standard as to success and value in ministry. Many who read the e-letter knew it was from a pastor of one of the largest churches in North America whose pastor in a highly respected leader.

On first read the e-letter seemed to present a very clear-cut rationale why pastors should be focused on statistics and why they really were important. However, the closer the article was examined the more skeptical some pastors became about the contents. Understand, each Bible teacher surely uses a bit of their own lens in application of Scripture, no matter how hard one might fight against it, inevitably it still happens. In this situation Scripture was probably not applied as accurately as it appeared although there was no malicious intent involved.

A network of pastors began to e-mail one another discussing the letter. Many of them from “smaller” churches struck by the fact that inadvertently the ministries they were pouring their hearts into had been critiqued unfairly and unbiblical.

Enter the new Bob Vischer book; Me, Myself, and Bob. (Nelson 2007)

Bob Vischer revolutionized Christian entertainment by selling over 30 million Veggie Tales videos. His BIG IDEAS animation machine was on the way to becoming the next Disney. Or that was his dream. In 2003 after declaring bankruptcy after a heart wrenching court decision (later overturned on appeal) he sold the company’s assets included the computer animated characters Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber!

The lessons of Veggie Tales found in the book may not show up on DVD, but they do offer a word or two of encouragement for all of the leaders who are in the trenches, doing ministry, striving to be faithful, and sensing that their peers and other leaders don’t value what they are doing….

Feeling Out of Control Can Lead You To Make Bad Decisions

Vischer shares that Veggie Tales was growing but he didn’t know how to manage it. He turned to a popular business book (buy his book to find out which one) which told him he needed to have a huge goal….Vischer admits he didn’t have a monster sized goal, because God hadn’t given him one. So he made one up-one that God would like. (At least he hoped so)

Beware of an Outta Control Goal

The big goal was the Big Idea would become one of the top four family media companies in the world. The goal was born in his evangelical background that said more impact is better! Better to impact millions than just one at a time. He admits that this big goal, which was so aggressive, became the companies undoing.

Know When Things Are Just Not Right

Big Idea was selling a gazillion videos and Vischer was receiving 400 fan letters a day. In reading his Bible he spent some time studying about the fruit of the Spirit. He realized that none of those things were present in his life. It didn’t say the fruit of the spirit is impact, large numbers, or selling lots of videos. He realized something was not right!

Listen to the Advice Learned in the Produce Section

He offers the following advice to those involved in leadership of ministries.

First, remember that there is a danger in applying business principles to ministry.

Businesses use numbers to measure success and ministry shouldn’t. Using numbers to convince ourselves that we are doing God’s will is dangerous.

Second, remember that nothing is Scripture except Scripture.

We shouldn’t be looking a model another church is using and simply adopt it. (As many churches and leaders do) Because God has uniquely led someone doesn’t mean he is leading you, or your church to do the same thing!

What NOW????

Take heart and make sure that you are staying centered on the transformational things God wants to do in your life. Success by His standards is far different than the rest of the world sees…even professional and well-organized ministry. Allow God to give you your dream…or better yet…make God Himself your dream. In following that dream you will make a difference and become the leader He has called you to be!

Please visit www.philvischer.com