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Aldo was the most expensive player they had ever bought, almost costing as much as the rest of the team put together. But it had been worth it. Since they signed Aldo Ronn the team had enjoyed their most successful period in their history. They had won numerous trophies. Aldo was the most skilful player in the team, he was the fastest player in the team, he was the fittest player on the team and he scored more goals than anyone else in the team and everyone loved him.
Because Aldo was so good the rest of the team made sure that they passed the ball to him a lot: they liked the fact that he made them look good. Over time they came to rely on him more and more: he was the lynch-pin of the team. The other players were delighted to have him in their side because it meant that they kept winning trophies: the team had recently won the Cup because of moment of brilliance from Aldo when, with his back to the goal, he flicked the ball over his head, turned around and volleyed the ball into the top corner in the last minute of the match.
The rest of the players in the team knew that Aldo Ronn was better than them but they didn’t mind because they were being successful. None of them were jealous of him.
Because none of them believed they could ever be as good as him they didn’t bother improving their skills – why bother when they had Aldo Ronn! They didn’t train as hard as they could – why bother because Aldo could rescue them in a match. They didn’t bother listening to the Manager’s instructions – why bother because all they had to do was to get the ball to Aldo and he would score the goals they needed. And Aldo didn’t mind because he was so popular, he was world-famous, and his team was successful.
Then one day, during the Transfer Window, the team came together on the morning before a match to be told that Aldo Ronn had been bought by another team for a world record fee and had left. The rest of the team was devastated. They knew how important Aldo was to the team. In fact Aldo left such a big hole in the team that they were relegated at the end of that season. They were never as successful again. In subsequent years the players who were left often reminisced about the good old days when Aldo was with them.
The EBA Mission strategy is designed to help all of us to consider the Places where we are and the Opportunities that we have in those places for mission. We want to help provide Inspiration, remind us all that we Need God and to offer Training and equipping to help us to be honest about our faith.
It has been really encouraging to hear about the way that churches who have used these mission parables have been blessed, encouraged and challenged. Please do consider sharing this parable and questions in a service or perhaps emailing it to others in your church or giving it to home group leaders.
