Sex sells ... and in recent years, more churches have used it as a marketing tool to impact their communities. From nationally known megachurches such as Dallas' Fellowship Church to smaller congregations such as Relevant Church in Ybor City, Fla., an increasing number of pastors are issuing sex challenges from the pulpits to churchgoers. Now a rural Alabama church is spicing up things and, not surprisingly, sparking community interest-both good and bad.
Three few weeks ago, Daystar Church in Good Hope, Ala., launched a monthlong series called "Great Sex: God's Way" that, given the church's small-town locale, figured to get townsfolk talking. But it's Daystar's decision to rent out billboard advertisements promoting the series that has ruffled more than a few feathers.
"I understand what they're trying to do. I get it," said the small town's 22-year-old mayor, Corey Harbison. "[But] some people just aren't ready for that. Good Hope is just a good old, country town."
One local minister added: "Paul said preach the gospel. Talking about sex ain't gonna get nobody to heaven."
Even outsiders questioned not the content of the series but its setting. "It sounds like an example of one of those church-growth, market-savvy campaigns going out to an area where you wouldn't normally see it," said Larry Eskridge, associate director of the Institute for the Study of American Evangelicals at Wheaton College in Illionis. "I could see where in that particular setting, that could raise some eyebrows."
For Daystar, however, it's par for the course of venturing into new territory. When lead pastor Jerry Lawson arrived nine years ago, Daystar was called Glory Hill Church of God and averaged fewer than 100 in attendance. Since its "relaunch" in 2002, the church has grown to more than 2,000-more than Good Hope's total population-but along the way, according to Harbison, has caused many longtime residents to grow leery of its sudden mega-success.
As far as the "Great Sex" series, Lawson chalks up any local controversy to a natural conflict whenever the three-letter word is mentioned. Rather than have kids learn about sex from the often-immoral portrayals found in media, Daystar wanted to create an opportunity for parents to address the issue. "I think some people are kind of missing the point," said Lawson, adding that the church needs to be leading the way on creating an understanding of sex rather than allowing the world's depiction to rule. [AP, 3/11/09; daystarchurch.tv, 3/16/09]
The Leading Point
First Priority
Kindgom Culture
Hey Coach
Evangelical Essentials
Pastor's Heart
Comments
If something isn't working right, we continue to do the same thing over and over, thinking that sooner or later we will find the right combination or solution, but we're not looking for a better/different resolution to the problem.
There is power in prayer, but hasn't anyone noticed that prayer is only part of the fix? God demands physical arm-and-leg action from us. Saying that "sex sells" for the church is a misnomer. Sexual abuse (sex in ways contrary to God's intendions) is a momumental disorder that the church must address. Sin is sin, and all sin must be addressed by the church. The world certainly isn't going to point out it's wrong doings.
Today's generation is shying away from the church because they see the church as something that does not address life today. It doesn't hit home where people really live. Everything that is contrary to the Word of God must be dealth with by the Christian community, pulpit and pew. Quote
Here in rural South Dakota it's too obvious that something is missing in church leadership in the matter of sexual conduct.
I do not want to come down harshly. There are so many negative social factors of influence. However, it is past time to be brutally honest. We are the church, in an a safe atmosphere where we can allow ourselves to examine our Christian hearts and ask hard questions—and heartily confess answers in repentance.
How come so much backbone is missing in our churches?
Why have we fallen into old patterns of blaming society, or scapegoating?
Is it because we simply do not know how to handle all the sexual concerns and the implications of sexual immorality?
Instead of getting together and praying, do we just decide to do nothing because we don't know what to do?—and afterall, there are so many other things that are so important that demand attention.
A big part in asking questions and answering them truthfully seems to be through prayer. How about if we get serious and have more prayer meetings and fewer business meetings, deciding to sell out to God?
We have been given the gift of faith. We need to use it, and maybe with a lot of "humble audacity", to take what has been in denial for so long and put it up in the light, exposing the truth for all to see, in the love of Christ. Quote
The religious spirits that occupy the church boards and congregations are having a hard time with their habits and addictions calling out to them from the preachers like Lawson and Young. I applaud these men of character, faith, and intestinal fortitude who will stnd up and preach the Bible. The Word of God teaches that we are to live modestly, have pure and holy thoughts, and display a character that is like our risen Lord. If we don't teach the right concepts of sexual relationships then its back to the drive in (or today the motel rooms by the hour) or locker romm sex. This only creates unhealthy appetites that produce hidden problems and overwhelming desires own the road.
I am dissppointed that the leadership of our churches and communities disapprove of such teaching. Back room sex in rural communities has been in the closet too long. We need to reach our generation from 6 to sixty and teach the right principles of healthy sexual relationships. Abstinence before marriage and wholesome and holy sex after marriage. Quote
RSS feed for comments to this post.