The Lake Wobegon Effect

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Cor. 12:4-7)

“The Prairie Home Companion” was a long running, radio variety show that was hosted by master storyteller Garrison Keillor. The show’s central piece was a weekly report about the people and events of the fictional town of Lake Wobegon, Minnesota, known as “the little town that time forgot and the decades cannot improve.”

I can’t help but imagine Lake Wobegon was a lot like Roswell was 50 years ago, except with a lot more snow, a lot more Lutherans, and a lot less traffic.

Each week at the close of the show, Keillor signed off with his famous tag line: “THAT’S the news from Lake Wobegon, where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average.” 
It all sounds so idyllic. Who wouldn’t want to live in a place like Lake Webogon?

Whether we realize it or not, most of us do live in such a place. Studies have shown in cultures like ours that stress individualism, there is a tendency for people to over-estimate their abilities and achievements in comparison to others. In other words, we all tend to see ourselves as above average, a phenomenon is sometimes referred to as the Lake Wobegon Effect.

The good news is that as members of the body of Christ we ARE, in fact, all gifted, 100% of us! As Paul tells the Corinthians, “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

But this giftedness is NOT for our own success and aggrandizement; it’s for the upbuilding of God’s kingdom. The Holy Spirit gives each of us particular gifts to strengthen the body of Christ so that it can fulfill of its mission in the world.

“A demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good,” Paul said—not just to some but to ALL. The church needs everyone to be employing their gifts in ministry both inside and outside the walls of the church in order to impact the world for Christ.

We need…

• gifted guitarists and faithful choir members,
• inspiring teachers and committed youth counselors,
• prayer warriors and compassionate listeners
• technology wizards and creative videographers,
• good cooks and experienced builders…
• The list could go on and one.

No one is more valuable than another. ALL are essential to the church faithfully fulfilling its ministry. AND the offering of each and every gift by each one of us is cause for the church to celebrate.

See you this Sunday when we will celebrate at one combined service at 11 a.m. the gifts of our Northbrook Preschool and Teachers and gather at the Lord’s Table on World Communion Sunday as part of God’s gifted and sent people.

Rev. Jennifer Andone, Senior Pastor
P.S. Chad’s preaching!

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