What Really Keeps Them Away?

Last week I was able to get away for a couple of days with some of my staff. I try to make an extended trip at least once a year with each of our ministers to build relationships and teamwork. I also like for us to go learn about ministry from others who are leading the way with innovation and creativity. I've been back a week and some things have had time to penetrate my thick skull. I came away with some good things as well as some I an worried about.

First of all, the good things. This mega church in Atlanta had great children's and middle school ministries. We sat through a presentation of the gospel to their kids and I was really impressed. Through visuals and plain talk the gospel was presented in such a way that children did not feel pressured. But they were given the full monty about sin, forgiveness and Christ's death and resurrection. For those kids who choose to accept Christ they throw a birthday party with cake, ice cream and balloons. They invite family and friends to church on a Sunday afternoon and play a video of their testimony. After the video the children are baptized. If it's done better anywhere, I haven't seen it.

Sadly, that was the only place I heard the gospel boldly proclaimed while we were there. Gone were any symbols of the Christian faith. Other than some artwork in the hallway, I failed to see a single cross in or around the area where we gathered. The worship leader, called a special program director (or something close to that), remarked that they never began the service with a song that mentioned blood. I had heard this before, but I thought it was just the rantings of some angry fundamentalist. It was actually a policy at this mega church. The pastor was not called a preacher. He was the PC. That stands for Primary Communicator. The ministers on staff were called managers and the assistants were all just employees. It was much closer to a Christian based organization than a church.

However, nothing got my attention more than this one statement made by the PC. He told us to remember, "Presentation always trumps content." Let that sink in for a moment. "Presentation always trumps content." When I first heard him say that I was a little taken back. No, let me change that, I was a lot taken back. I was waiting for him to add something like, "Of course, I realize the Holy Spirit can always use our weakness or poor presentation to bring supernatural power to our message." But no disclaimer was forthcoming. He even repeated his mantra, "Presentation always trumps content" several times during his talk. Let me say, if the content is the gospel, then the content is always more powerful than the presentation. After all, "it is the power of God unto salvation." Not my delivery. Now, that doesn't lessen my responsibility to make it understandable and interesting. It does not excuse my laziness when it comes to preparation. But I have been reminded time and time again that my poorest efforts at preaching have often brought about the greatest results. How can that be? Because it isn't about the messenger. It is all about the message.

I understood his reasoning for this statement and the other philosophies of toning down the religious environment of their surroundings. I understand, but I don't agree. He said they are trying to reach professionals in the Atlanta area that have never been in church and have preconceived notions of what church is like. I disagree. I don't disagree with his mission; just his assumptions. I don't believe non-believers stay away from church because of crosses or steeples. I don't think they are offended by songs that talk about blood. I think they are turned off by the Christians they meet away from the church. I don't think the grounds, buildings or worship styles of 21st century Christianity is nearly the roadblock to unbelievers finding Christ as 21st century Christians are. It is my contention that they would come if they found our faith really made a difference in our lives. Our inconsistency has more to do with the unwillingness of the un-churched to attend with us on Sundays than our music or our vocabulary.           

Just my humble opinion. I'm not all that smart. If I was maybe I would be a mega church pastor. Who knows?

Comments

[Amy Phillips]

Pastor Ken,

First, I count it a JOY and PRIVILEDGE to call you PASTOR!!

Second, I wholeheartedly agree with your assesment of major roadblocks in the Christian church's efforts to reach unbelievers. And I feel challenged and convicted to pray that my walk would be winsome to the unbeliever. Thanks for the reminder!

Blessings!
Amy Phillips

[Buffy Loveday]

Brother Ken,
Thank you for not allow your presentation to trump your content. When I want presentation, I pay for a movie. When I want to get closer to who God designed me to be, learn more about who God is, and to get filled with the Spirit, I look for content. Thanks for being that MEGA guy to give it to us. Maybe PC actually stands for Politically Correct...