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Giggle Look Think

A Study in Contrasts

By Camille Lewis / November 7, 2007

The first. This church may think they are “thinking outside the box,” but I’m here to tell them that they are so far in the box that they’ve adhered to the side like that weird glue that acts like boogers. I want everyone I know to see this. It is no joke. I wish it were.

The last. What’s up with Willow Creek? Some self-reflexivity? Hmmm. . . .

I’ll say one thing — something’s up in Chicago.

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8 thoughts on “A Study in Contrasts”

  1. This is a hot topic in the WELS now too as a lot of churches looked to WC for inspiration. I think what it proves is that we can look to men and their models of leadership all we want, but it can’t compete against the Gospel, grace and love.

    I’m generally not a fan of mega-churches. I think they tend to become little “tower of Babels”…where the people join the church more for the status level than for true discipleship. I actually spent a bit of time in WC as a teenager and it was an interesting experience. I learned a lot from their friendly members….how much money they raked in per week, how many people belonged to their church, etc. I heard little to nothing about Christ, grace, etc.

    My attendance at WC was made during a time I was seriously considering leaving Lutheranism….the interesting thing is that within a few visits to WC I knew that if I left the Lutheran church, it wouldn’t be for a megachurch….the thought of being a mere face in the crowd was in no way appealing to me.

    Now, I’m not condemning all megachurches or even WC….I’m just saying they have weaknesses and I don’t think they are the ideal way for the church to operate.

    Anyways, thanks for posting this as it is really, really interesing.

  2. Okay, just watched the City Church ad…is that a real church?? I tried to find it on the net, but couldn’t….I mean it has to be a joke right??

    Of course, I just heard of an LCMS church near Detroit (blanking on the name) which had a series on sex during Lent. Now, I find that a bit odd…I have nothing agaisnt series sermons and I’m open about sex…but a sex series during Lent?? Still, I couldn’t say it was wrong necessarily….but then it came out that they replaced the altar with a bed…all during Lent…now I can’t say that is sin either, but honestly a bed instead of an altar?? It seems a bit too Madonnaish for my liking. So, while it may not have been sinful…it definitely was not wise imo.

  3. The first is scarey on SO many levels – that is FRIGHTENING.

    As for Willow Creek – I was doing a lot of head nodding during that presentation. I think he’s right on the money.

  5. But, do you think that the advertisement is real or a spoof that someone did as a joke?? I can’t BELIEVE they would REALLY want an ad out there like that….

  6. Actually, just found another commercial….it’s re: Brit Spears and I’m offended on several levels. First–it’s annoying. Second–it comes across as if they are making fun of Brit and while I”m not a fan in the least….it’s seems a bit cruel.

    Here’s the link:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0CyVIP1GlE

    There’s another one that is odd….one with Mancow (and if you are from WI or IL, you will know who he is–he’s also on FOX news sometimes)…though the Mancow is suprisingly fairly tame for Mancow.

    Here’s the Mancow piece:
    http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Mancow+%26+city+church

    And here’s one that is just odd…with lots of “you’re naughty”…”your a ‘dirty birdy'” Umm…yeah..

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN4PpESrT3M

    It is interesting to look at some of the ads and trends because it brings us to the question of how far do we go?? Does that make sense?

    And as for WC…I hope something good comes out of their efforts, but I don’t know if even revamping is really going to change the way a megachurch runs. Can you imagine if WC broke up into individual churches in the neighborhoods that people actually lived?? Should a pastor be an icon or someone that you know personally??

    I’m not saying I have the answers….it’s just that I’m struggling with those questions and so is my denom.

  7. This is so weird!!!! On sooo many dimensions.
    1. He can’t figure out what his style is.
    2. What’s with the repeating?
    3. What woman would want to attend a place where (just like every other place in society) she is compared to pinups and the Pussycat dolls??
    ‘Nough said.

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