Baiting for Jesus?

By Ingrid Schlueter

We don't go out in the highways and hedges with the Gospel anymore. These days we build huge, resort style chuches and then put on a circus to draw the unregenerate in using all kinds of bait. Last year there was a church that gave away a PT Cruiser, free furniture and even a house. This church is giving away free gas. In many ways evangelicals look like desperate salesmen, trying lure in customers with stuff. In the last few weeks I have seen churches attempting to draw attention with sports celebrities, dances, Christian rock stars, Veggie Talesshows, BMX demonstrations, car shows, petting zoos and food. Of course it works. Some churches have become experts at putting on professional quality shows and entertainment. It draws people and money to the church. It does not, however, have anything remotely to do with tthe true Gospel. The Gospel isn't "Jesus" talk drizzled on top of a whole lot of fun.