I was thinking last night as I watched an add for the Super Bowl about the lessons we can learn from this great American pastime.
* Push the ball down the field- at church we are trying to get people to get one step closer every week and every encounter we have to the goal... "Which is living out there God Given potential and being who God originally created them to be."
* Put points on the board- everyone loves a score. You jump in the stands do an end zone dance and slap hands and hind ends...The church scores every time a person comes to Christ, Has a marriage restored, forgives, gives up a destructive habit, sees there prayer answered or steps closer to a life fallowing Jesus. We try and tell these stories periodically so those who work hard can see we are scoring points.
* Have entertaining commercials- this year it is pretty clear that one team will most likely dominate the other. (Since Brett is not in it to lead the team to history) I however am planning on watching the game t see the 3million dolor’s a 30 second spot advertisement. Church has to have eye enticing creative material. Our upcoming Connections Group card is awesome and our upcoming series based on the "American Gladiators" is going to be a tone of fun.
* Explain everything- Michaels and Madden take a lot of time explaining what is happening on the field. When E watches the game she laughs at there word pictures but enjoys knowing why these men in tight pants kick the ball sometimes and why they get for more chances at other times. We are praying that there are people at church who don't know the rules so we need to take time and make it clear to them. Everyone enjoys things better.
* Make halftime changes- The High Point that we are today is not the High Point we will be in a few years. Society changes so fast that it is important that we change as fast. My goal someday is in this city to be a catalyst for our societies changes instead of a reaction to our societies changes. We will do worship different, speak different, meet in different places, start new churches, create alternative service venues and not get stuck in a rut. If we do get stuck then we will not win the game and the church will die. Churches that are not reaching the next generation are dying and need to be revived, have the "coach" fired or shut down.
* Rock n' Roll still rocks! - Tom Petty is going to bring the good stuff this half time and I am excited. Prince did an outstanding job last year. We will continue to rock because music takes us closer to the God faster in this day and age than anything else. It brings us closer and scripture says that Jesus inhabits the praise of his people. Sunday we will Rock out and hear from God and worship him like he was meant to be worshiped.
* People in the stands make it exciting- People matter... Jesus spoke to crowds and healed many in crowds and did some of his most amazing miracles for crowds. When the stadium is full the crowed is so much fun to be apart of. Have you ever been to an empty metrodom? Yeah, No Bueno. Sunday is more fun every week we have more people. The energy puts us al on the same page.
* It takes an amazing number of support people to make it happen- Just take a look at the sidelines and watch the guy who holds the sound catcher in the middle of a blizzard get pummeled by a 250 lb guy going full speed. Church is a team sport. People are coming that are they’re to experience a life changing service and we have to have people to support that endeavor. I promise I will not hit you running full force.
So this Year while you are watching the Super Bowl think about how much more important the local church is to the community we live in. And pray for High Point to impact this community in 08’. If you’re at a party invite someone to fill the theatre this week.
Your comments remind me of this book: *Church Is a Team Sport* by Jim Putman!!!
Posted by: Chad | February 02, 2008 at 06:46 AM