Receiver vs. Reproducer (Part 1)

I just finished reading David Platts book called “Radical”. Great read, a couple of concepts really stood out to me.

The first one is the idea of Receivers vs. Reproducers. I call this person “the sponge” church-goer.

Essentially for many people church is a “me-centered” environment. I want the worship to match my liking. I want the preaching to match what I want to hear. I want to be moved by the spirit. I want to receive as much information as possible so God can impact my life. Receivers are more concerned about the air-conditioning and the comfort levels of the chairs. A receiver is listening intently for information that is going to apply to them, the rest is jettisoned as unnecessary information. The receiver, like the sponge, is a consumer. The goal is to take in and retain as much as possible to fill you up.

The reproducer has a different agenda. Madly scribbling down the notes from the sermon, the reproducer wants to capture it all. Not for their benefit though. The reproducer want to give this talk again. The value is not in the benefit for them, but for others. A reproducer is thinking about how to use this talk, illustration, idea, concept or song in conversation that week. They are looking for chances to share Jesus with people. The goal is not to fill themselves up, but filling others up. A reproducer takes in the information to share with others, that action is what fills them up. The joy of sharing Jesus is what empowers them.

Receivers want to stay in the building, and get more food. Reproducers can’t wait to get out, and share the good news with others. You should be just as excited to come to church, as you are to leave and share the good news.

Sponges need to be squeezed so others can benefit from what they have to offer.