Comments on: the last christmas pageant ever

By: Marco

Marco — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:04:25 +0000

Jennifer, you’ve really got me thinking about something…the one night that people are not afraid to come to my door and receive my hospitality happens to be the night that I lock up my house, turn out the lights and go hang out with other Christians. This can’t ALWAYS be the right thing to do on Halloween.

I really resonate with your point that its the stating of our motives that has not been genuine and we need to be honest and intentional about our mission whether being the cider sipping society or the harvest, hot dog house! (love it, Darlene)

By: mattbortmess

mattbortmess — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:46:42 +0000

great post Jennifer!

By: Al

Al — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:20:36 +0000

I suspect many of our “big productions” began with outreach in mind. We just need to be more honest with ourselves about what does and doesn’t produce, as you say, a “spiritual ROI.”
It’s appropriate to periodically review major programs and “schedule killers”, just to make sure they are worth the investment.
As to our friend wbmoore’s concern – I hear you, but each believer has to search the scriptures for themselves. There is no doubt that Hallowe’en has a dark origin, but as an existing part of the social fabric, we can respond in a variety of ways, all proceeding from a redeemed heart.

By: wbmoore

wbmoore — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:45:21 +0000

I dont think the church should participate in holloween in any fashion – its marrying the pagan with Christ.

http://wbmoore.wordpress.com/2009/11/02/should-the-church-substitute-for-holloween/

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:32:56 +0000

Good points, Adam and Robert. I’m certainly not against worship or a for-the-family celebration, and I don’t think everything has to be for “outreach.” I guess what bugs me, and what prompted this post, was our tendency to try to say these ARE for outreach. Just wanting us to be honest about our motives!

By: Anthony Florence

Anthony Florence — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:23:22 +0000

Having said what i said, if a church is has the resources to put on a quality pagaent, I like some of the consequences. I was able to take a lady from Argentina steeped in Catholicism yet not a regular church attender, to a Special southland had for Christmas a couple of years back, and she really felt a connection with God there, and much discussion about what it means to be a Christian, along with history of Restoration movement, was discussed on the ride home. So I hope my comment to come across as too negative.

By: Robert

Robert — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:06:04 +0000

But…but… we’ve ALWAYS had a Christmas Cantata!
Great thoughts. Number of churches that will probably change what they do as a result, probably about .00001%. Reason? Most leaders in the church are afraid of the woman in the church who is alpha-female enough to get the Christmas play/cantata organized and will never suggest doing anything different. I’d rather take on the Teamsters, they’re less organized!

One dissenting thought, though: every program does not have to be about ‘reaching the community’. A cantata might be effective simply because it is glorifying to God and offers Christians an opportunity to worship, even if it doesn’t bring in a ‘seeker’ or make it on the local news. It might just be for God’s glory. On a lesser note, a program might also be effective simply because it involves the children in the church service and gives an excuse for Christian fellowship: church members like cider too.

We have a Fall Festival that reaches some unchurched people, but for the most part it is just a good way for the church family to come together for family fellowship and good chili. I consider that effective.

But, this might be a difference in emphasis between a ‘seeker church’ and a ‘family/community church’. It’s all good, just different.

Excellent article!

By: darlene jones

darlene jones — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:06:25 +0000

We have been barbequing hotdogs on our front lawn for Halloween for 4 years. We put out table and chairs and ice water too.Neighbors sit and talk and meet one another. Teens stay the longest and are rthe most appreciative! Parents tell us their kids talk about the “hotdog house” weeks before the 31st.

By: Anthony Florence

Anthony Florence — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:00:27 +0000

I LIKES WHAT YOU SAY ALOT !! Good stuff!! I remember a couple of years ago when SOuthland Christian Church in Lexy caught a bunch of heat (even from Ben Witherington, who I usually think is pretty cool) when not having service on Christmas morning but going out and reaching out to the community on that day.. Not sure if that’s relevant to what you’ve shared. But i thought it was pretty cool and a bold way to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the world around us instead off spending a bunch of money and time to try to attract people to be entertained by a holiday themed event. Although I like Christmas pagaents, the attendees usually are made up of a bunch of families who are already Christians.

By: adam

adam — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:49:01 +0000

i agree with your points and i think we could/should do more.

is it wrong for us to celebrate amongst ourselves? i don’t think so. but it shouldn’t be the focus.

ps – when i was a child, there was a lady in our neighborhood who gave out apples. another lady gave out homemade popcorn balls. the old days are gone!