HOPE Chapel

Wolves, Bobcats, and Churches

I took my kids up to the Lakota Wolf Preserve yesterday for a field trip. I was fascinated by some of the information our guides taught us about wolves and bobcats. One particular characteristic stood out as vastly different for each animal. I couldn’t help but notice the contrast between the animal behaviors.

As you already know, wolves live in packs; they are highly social animals and amazingly very compassionate. The pack, it seems, is very open to new pups joining the pack. It doesn’t matter if the pups are not from their pack, they are welcome. (It doesn’t even matter if the pups aren’t wolves as they take in dog puppies, as well!) All these pups are adopted into the pack and treated like those born in that pack. They are nourished, fed, and raised just like their very own. As they grow, they take their rightful place in the pack.

Bobcats are so much different. They are solitary animals who prefer their space; some males claim 20 square miles for themselves! When they have babies they nurse them for only a brief time and then kick them out to fend for themselves. Their children are never welcomed back nor are any visitors allowed in their territory.

Now, I know that wolves are usually used to describe negative traits in people or churches, but the stark contrast between these two animals left me wondering if I couldn’t learn something positive from them, as well.  How do churches come across to people? How do Christians come across to new people? How do I come across to people?

• Like a Bobcat? “Stay away! Don’t bother us!” Strangers and newcomers aren’t welcome. If you’re different, don’t bother coming. Any new people just end up being tossed aside.
• Like a wolf pack? “Come on in. Let us nourish you and raise you.” It doesn’t matter if you’re different. You can join in and find your place. We’ll help you … know God, connect with us, and impact others the same way.

Big difference. Big impact.