When the day of Pentecost came, the church planting team was all together in one place under Peter's leadership, who had an entrepreneurial spirit, as confirmed by several personality tests. Suddenly he had an idea, and he had the creative programming team manufacture a sound like the blowing of a violent wind from heaven, or the thunder of a rock band, and it filled the large building where they were sitting. The lighting team designed what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were proud of the excellent job they had done, and were certain this would draw a crowd.
Now there were staying in that town people of every ethnicity and demographic. But the church's vision was to focus on wealthy suburban families. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together. They were impressed with the cutting edge sound of the band, and of the lighting effects. And for several of them, the music spoke in their heart language, with secular songs that drew them in. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these who are speaking church people? Then how is it that each of us hears a song that we know from pop radio: love songs, social consciousness songs, even songs that mention God!" Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?"
Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They are trying to be cool."
Then Peter the church planter stood up with the leadership team, used his headset mic and addressed the crowd: "Fellow wealthy suburbanites, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people who are so cool are trying to say something to you. I won't quote the Bible, because that might be offensive to you, but I want you to learn about Jesus."
"Wealthy suburbanites, listen to this: Jesus was a great teacher of spiritual principles, and if we follow his example and his teachings, we will live happy, fulfilled lives."
Then the video team played a moving clip about a man who overcame odds to fulfill his dreams. And Peter said, "Jesus can do that for you!"
When the people heard this, they wanted what Jesus had to offer and said to Peter and the other leaders, "What shall we do?"
Peter replied, "Do?! You don't have to DO anything! But if you come back next week, we will have an even more powerful program that will move you and tell you another hint about Jesus. Plus, we'll be handing out gifts. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom we can reach through our telemarketing blanket program."
With a few other words he encouraged them; and he pleaded with them, "God loves you just the way you are." Those who liked his message came back the next week, and attendance grew to about three thousand that day. And everyone felt great.
They devoted themselves to good works and to big programs, to excellence and to church growth. Everyone was happy because attendance kept increasing, and the programs were inspiring. All the suburbanites lived in their homes with their own belongings, and they gave an average of two percent of their earnings to the offerings to pay for the building, staff and outreach programs. Keeping their possessions and goods, they occasionally did outreach of good deeds to those who had need. Every day the programming team continued to meet together in the building, planning the next great experience. They observed media in their homes and stayed up with the latest cultural trends, so that they could enjoy the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were in attendance.
Comments (1)
ouch... that's a painful read!