What if Jesus were a member of Trinity?

Sometimes, when I have a quiet moment, I like to think about things that help me see the church with fresh eyes. This week, I found myself daydreaming around a question: What if Jesus were a member of Trinit

I don’t mean Jesus as the pastor, or the superintendent, or a bishop. No. I imagine him as a regular member. Someone who sits quietly on the third pew, who prays with sincerity, who sings with his heart even if he’s off-key. Someone who stays after the service to talk to the person nobody really listens to.

I imagine him showing up days before Sunday to help clean the facilities, sweeping the entrance, arranging the sanctuary, making sure everything is ready for worship, helping with the administration and the office. He’d probably help prepare the altar for Holy Communion, set up the livestream equipment, go over the Scripture readings for the week, and make sure the hymn lyrics are in place. I think he’d also help get the coffee ready or bring snacks to share during Coffee Hour, knowing full well that communion continues beyond the altar.

I think Jesus would be part of the leadership team. Not as the boss, but as someone who notices the newcomer and sits beside them in a way that doesn’t feel awkward. The one who shares food with someone who’s unhoused, without worrying whether it’s “appropriate.”

And if he found himself in the middle of our disagreements? I imagine Jesus listening quietly, his eyes full of compassion but also truth, reminding us that reconciliation is not optional if we truly want to follow him.

Jesus, being who he is, would also sit with those who have been hurt by the church. Maybe in the last pew. Maybe with tears in his eyes. Reminding them gently that their worth doesn’t depend on anyone’s opinion, but comes from the unshakable love of God.

If Jesus were a member of Trinity… I think he’d already be here. Actually, I believe he is here. In the small acts of kindness. In our efforts for justice. In the hard conversations. In the laughter we share after worship. In the hope we hold onto, even when things aren’t easy.

So this week, I invite you to wonder with me: What would happen if every decision we made, every meeting, every worship service, every conversation… we did it all as if Jesus were sitting right next to us on the pew?

Spoiler alert: He is!

Warmly,

David