A production …

It hit me suddenly.

“This is a production!” I thought to myself.

I was participating in worship at one of my favorite churches in the southwest. For some reason I really noticed the decorated stage and how it was all a design to go with the current sermon series. At the end of the series, when the CD is sold in the bookstore at the church, the cover of the CD will look like the set design that was then on the stage.

I understand why some things like this are done. I think it should be a sin to make the Bible boring, and we pastors must present the messages we have to share as interesting and compelling as possible.

But sometimes I wonder if we don’t overdo it and make it too much of a production.

“Five steps to great friendships.”

“Three steps to a rock solid faith.”

“Eight steps to inspired parenting.”

“Ten things that make you a Godly business person”

“Seven keys to holy money management.”

“The five things that make up an awesome marriage …” and on and on we go.

I understand the communication methodologies. But sometimes we need to step back and understand that Jesus never taught this way! He didn’t have the 3-, 5-, 7- or 12 steps to anything. He had pure truth with a compassionate heart. With that, He changed the course of humanity.

I want to encourage my fellow church leaders as much as I possibly can, but let’s ask the question, from time to time, about the relevancy and effectiveness of what we’re doing. We should always strive to communicate effectively, but must we create a spectacle to do so?

I don’t think so.

What do you think?

Think about it …

Scotty