I walked out of a church we visited Saturday night feeling as if we were leaving a concert or blockbuster movie. The environment and energy among the crowd was as if it was unanimously entertained and had a great time. The weekend of the big game is widely referred to as one of the lowest church attended Sundays of the year. Several years ago, Crossroads decided they wanted to make it one of their biggest…and they have. They expected over 20,000 people to crowd into one of their six services and if the last five were anything like the first, they will have no problem meeting that goal.
Before the service even started we were greeted by mascots from local universities and semi-pro teams walking around amidst people tossing bags of popcorn from the back of pickup trucks. Did I mention this was all occurring in the lobby of the church? It was amazing to say the least. I don’t care you if have walked with God all your life or if you still had questions as to whether He exists or not this place was as unintimidating as a neighborhood block party. We checked our boys in to their appropriate classrooms and weaved through the mass of people to find a seat.
The 3,800 seat auditorium had been converted into a mini football stadium, complete with artificial turf and a broadcasters booth. A combination of parodies, skits, and scripted conversations had everyone rolling in our seats more than a couple times. After a roughly twenty minute introduction that involved a local high school marching band, well designed commercials, and creative promotions for upcoming events at Crossoroads via the big screen the service reached its pinnacle. At that point Brad Johanson, a sports reporter for one of Cincinnati’s local TV stations stepped up and spoke about courage in the face of tragedy. He told a heartwarming story about his son who at one point had 50/50 chance at having a horrible disease that would lead, at best, to severe disabilities. Eventually through prayer and several acts of community shown by his family at Crossroads the tests came back negative and his son has grown up as healthy as could be. It was phenomomenal! Of course it didn’t end on a serious note. As things wound down the Senior Pastor, Brian Tome, ended up on stage in a Wonder Woman costume (I’ll just your imaginations take over from this point).
We left feeling thoroughly entertained and we were not the only ones. It was a great atmosphere!! Of course it was not a typical service but they are known for their creativity and over-the-top creativity that is geared to make people laugh and have a good time. We have several friends that attend there on a weekly basis and they can never say enough great things about what the church does!!
SO WHAT DO YOU THINK, SHOULD CHURCH BE DESIGNED FOR ENTERTAINMENT?
Filed under: community, leadership, local church, ministry, planning, vision Tagged: | brian tome, community, crossroads church, super bowl service
I have went to Crossroads a couple of times for their 20 something Thursday night “gathering” they started a couple years ago. I would like to visit a regular service before moving from cincy. your experience sounds interesting. I gather that the audience is very entertained and it seems there was some sort of message or testimony. the question I have is did they actual give some sort of gospel message at any point. their biggest draw on their website is for anyone who has questions about God whether they believe or not (something along those lines). I wonder, was Jesus even mentioned in the service, did they talk about him in the context of salvation, relationship, anything? I’ve been wrestling with how we best give that message without coming across as pushy. I’ve been observing various techniques from the crossroads approach to the pentacostal come to jesus with the baptists and Christians being somewhere in the middle. to answer your challenge I would say that there is nothing inherently wrong with church being entertaining. however, we must be cautious that this does not become the main effort of the church (i envision ministers, elders, and leadership teams brainstorming how to make things more entertaining rather than how to reach more people for christ). I think that if crossroads were to do the willow creek eval they would likely find their entertaining church isn’t very deep and is not producing strong disciples that will be there for the long haul. entertaining people should not be what church is about. it is about worshiping God. if they are providing and opportunity for their members to worship through praise, remembrance, giving, teaching, serving, etc. then they are doing a good job. if their church is only asking its members to come be entertained then eventually people won’t stick around when things get rough because there is no substance and not discipleship taking place. that’s my 2 cents on that issue.
Do I really need to answer that for you Dave?
I don’t think people are drawn to come closer to God because of an entertainment factor… it’s because He’s God! I mean, you can’t get that feeling anywhere else, it can’t be manufactured or re-produced… and shouldn’t. People are drawn to Him because He’s is Father and has something we are missing. Entertainment fades away, but what is eternal – doesn’t.
I’m not sure why we have in the last couple of decades become confused about what a “worship” service looks like. Frankly, it’s not for non-believers – it’s followers of God coming together to corporately express themselves to Him – - the goal is to lift Him up… that feeling alone is satisfying. Church is me & you… not a weekend theater reaching out to catch the eye of someone who is far from God. God draws people unto HImself, not us doing it for Him.
I’m off the soap box…
You have to get them there before you can teach them so some entertaining may be a good thing (kathy)
Well here are my thoughts on this subject. Being a believer for over 50 years I have seen many worship services. I have been in services that I thought was so boring that I could not get out fast enough. Others I wish could have lasted for hours. There are so many different types of services and so many different types of people, some ministers (pastors)are so slow and boring others talk a mile a minute or holler at you. God made us all different and what may lead one person to Christ may not get to first base with another. I came from a church that thought that they were the only ones going to Heaven and condemned other churches. I am pretty sure that I have grown through the years and would not think that way today. I seem to agree some with Ben and some with Scott, but I also take the words of Paul in I Corinthians 9:22,23. We can be all things to all people for the sake of the gospel. I think some entertainment is good that shows people that Christians can have fun in worship but we should never leave out the main purpose of the plan of salvation,the gospel of Jesus Christ. I think both are a good combination.
I have attended Crossroads regularly for about 2 years, and to respectfully respond to Ben regarding whether or not we “worship through praise, remembrance, giving, teaching, serving, etc.”, yes, we do. One of the primary goals of the Super Bowl service is to draw those who might not normally attend, especially on that particular weekend. They draw people in, make it fun and enjoyable, while also showing God’s amazing mercy and grace through, in this instance, Brad’s testimony. As Christians it is our responsibility to reach the lost, not merely sit comfortably in our church with other believers. While I agree with Scott that God draw us to him, Jesus sent his disciples out to teach the good news to bring them to Him. Jesus’ command in Matthew 28 was to go and make disciples of all nations. Crossroads is a place where you can come as you are and hear the message of Jesus’ love. You cannot win the lost if you do not reach the lost. If Crossroads did not practice what they preach, worship God, and teach the Bible, I would not continue attending. To those who question the intent or effectiveness of the message Crossroads delivers, I would suggest that you give it one try before questioning or critiquing it. God bless.
I went to this same service and I think it was sensational. I loved it. So did my husband and 11 year old son. The “entertainment” part is what made my husband feel relaxed enough to attend church with me every week….it works. We go religiously, pardon the pun, every week now.