When Church Feels Like a Show

When Church Feels Like a Show

Last week a controversy erupted in the weird little world that is Christian Twitter. Mega church pastor J.D. Greear posted a video clip of a recent sermon in which he chided church attenders for coming late or leaving early.

“You treat church like a religious show,” he thundered. “When people say that the church … feels like a big production, you’re the problem.”

The reaction online was swift and angry. Many pointed out the irony of the scene. Here was a mega church pastor standing on a huge stage, with a jumbo image of himself on multiple screens, confronting people for making church into a show. In the wake of the backlash, Greear clarified his message, explaining that he was urging members to see the church as a family, but most commentators still balked. Adam Gaber gives a helpful summary of the controversy and explores how in ministry the medium often communicates more loudly than the message.

While we’re on the topic of communication (or miscommunication), I want to encourage you to check out our resource on the topic. Secrets of Effective Communication will equip you and the leaders in your church to deliver messages with clarity.