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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.

Drew Dyck Drew Dyck
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