The Committee

A trio of aging members of the The Committee have some difficult decisions to make regarding the closing down of their once-thriving church. When they are joined by three younger parishioners, battle lines are drawn. Then, Chuck walks in.

Taking on the role of a French waiter, Chuck cleverly sets a table for six to demonstrate for The Committee the true meaning of hospitality. It's not something you put on, it's a lifestyle.

Chuck shuffles through Rummage Sale skeletons and broken lamps to illustrate The Committee has been asleep at the wheel. "Our community has changed, but we've stayed the same."

Compass Committee members wonder if their church understands its purpose or even "why" their church exists, when Chuck discovers an annoying board game whose mechanical device repeats the annoying word WHY, over and over again.

The topic of evangelism has everyone uneasy. Sharing personal stories of experience, strength, and hope help committee members discover a more authentic, engaging way in which to share their faith, or evangelize.

The Compass Committee struggles to identify the people who live in the area surrounding their church, as Chuck recalls his favorite Dr. Seuss story and "Whoville" to help the committee understand the "who" that lives in their community.

The committee unpacks what it's like to intentionally make disciples, wondering if their church already has a system in place. The Compass Committee learns that successful churches understand discipleship is a lifelong journey.

When the electricity goes out, the Compass Committee must operate in the dark. Appropriate enough, as the discussion turns toward innovation and how churches that innovate are more apt to thrive.

Although the Compass Committee is only six members strong, Chuck helps them better understand that small groups are not administrative committees, and they are not organized so that churches grow bigger.

Daniel shows up at with his 12 year-old daughter. With a child suddenly part of the committee discussion, there is an impromptu examination of how to welcome children at church.

The Compass Committee grapples with the full meaning of stewardship in hopes of convincing the financially-prudent Mr. Riley to let go of the old idea that stewardship is merely an annual campaign.

Endless "church committee" jokes have Chuck realizing the truth in many of the unflattering remarks. Chuck insists they answer the toughest question of all. Are they really making a difference?

The aging Compass Committee must confront the elephant in the room. Congregations are growing older. For the church to survive, younger and older adults must work together. Easier said than done.

As the nerve-racking Jenga Game takes center stage, Chuck mediates The Committee debate over how older leaders must make mental and physical space for younger leaders.

Time's up. The long and arduous process-with all its emotional ups-and-downs-comes to an end. Will the Compass Committee decide to close the church's doors or keep them open?