We are currently looking at the preaching calendar for The Pointe for the next year. I can honestly say that I am more excited about the next three series than any ever before. This next year is going to be absolutely incredible. We have gotten the basics of all of our series through the summer.
I am currently focusing on the first series, beginning in January. It is based on Craig Groeschel's book Chazown. We are looking at putting it in the framework of a very manly muscle car theme. Check out the artwork below.
The next series that we will be working on is based on a book called "Deadly Viper Characters Assassins". This series will have a kung fu, asian feel to it. This series is about the sins and character flaws that seek to destroy our lives. You can see some of the visuals below.
I would love to hear your reactions to these series and graphics. Let me know what you think?
6 comments:
I know that this is going to sound revolutionary and maybe just a little bit freaky but...
How about "Using" God's word as a basis for a message?
I'm being a little facicious but trying to make a point. I'm just at a loss as to why just expounding scripture is such a horrible thing?
Why do we have to have "themes" from the pulpit? Themes about race cars, motorcycles, and other things, when we have the greatest message ever put to paper!
Is that so boring to the average church goer that we have to be a "six flags over Jesus" everytime the doors open?
I realize that in these comboxes it's hard to just someones "tone" of voice so just take what I'm asking in love, and sincerity.
I'm sincerely asking why you feel that this stuff is necessary?
I am asking the same questions as rpavich.
I am wondering what has happened to our confidence in God's Word. I fear that many of us have transfered a lack of confidence in the sufficiency of Scripture on to our people. We are teaching our people that in order to be appreciated, the Scriptures must be adorned by a host of gimmicks.
Where are the men of God who are going to stand before God's beloved people and say, "Thus says the Lord"?
I am truly asking this in love and not as a means to criticize. But these are very serious issues. I am convinced from my own expereince that preacher's enthusiasm for the Word of God (or lack thereof) is highly contagious.
Hey guys,
Jonap here. I did want to follow up to your comments, because I am assuming that you genuinely want to know where someone like myself might be coming from and doing what we do.
First off, let me say that I love Jesus Christ with all of my heart. I love His word. I have hidden it in my heart and share often with those both inside and outside of the family of God.
The simple fact is, this entire series is entirely based on scripture. Proverbs 29:18 states "where there is no vision (chazown), the people perish." We want people to find God's vision for their lives. It is a completely Biblical topic.
You must also understand that our target audience is not the "already convinced" Christians in our community. We are reaching out to the lost and dying world. Is having a "target audience" wrong? Jesus had one. He said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
While the righteous people in our community might respond if we put "Today's Message: Mark 2:17" on our church sign, the "sick" people in our community will not. The message is not about "race cars". The message is about finding a loving relationship with our savior. We use elements that are common to the people in our community. I believe that Jesus was a genius when it came to this. When He taught the Word of God to farmers, he talked about spreading seeds. When he taught fishermen, he talked about fishing.
I know that this post will probably not convince you guys. Who knows, it might make you despise me even more. I cannot apologize for finishing the race for which Christ has called me. That mission is to reach my generation with the awesome Gospel of Jesus Christ. I will do that by speaking truth in a language that they can understand.
Pastor,
First off, let me say that I didn't mean to imply that you weren't sincere in your love for Christ or your intent...it was the method that I questioned.
You mention that you are basing this series on Proverbs 29:18 and that you "want to find God's vision for your lives."
You must be aware, as you are a Pastor that Proverbs 29:18 has nothing to do with "God's vision for our lives" right?
I'm also at a loss to how the "race car theme" figures into this?
You do mention that if you just advertise a scripture passage then you won't "attract" "unchurched" people.
May I suggest that church is a way for the saints to assemble and worship their God, and that we should be going to where the pagans are and preaching the gospel to them directly? The two are separate and distinct things right?
You mention Jesus and His target audience; we would do well to pattern ourselves after Him...go to the streets and preach the uncompromising word of God...preach repentance and sin,and holiness, and judgment...and let God take care of whom He will draw...
I'm guessing that this comment won't get you to rethink your methods, and I'm sorry for that. I do pray that you think about why you feel you need to doll up the word and why you believe church is an evangelistic tool.
God bless,
bob
I don't dispise you in any way, shape, or form. Nor do I question for one moment your love for Jesus. I would probably think you are a terrific person.
I simply disagree with you. If your ministry is not to "the already convinced" then I am wondering why you pastor a church. Why are you not a full-time evangelist/church planter? God calls pastors to shepher His flock. He also gives evangelists to the church (it's all right there in Ephesians).
Remember Paul's departing words to the elders at the church of Ephesus, "I am innocent of the blood of all of you for I did not shrink from preaching to you the full counsel of God's Word." For Paul this was a matter of life and death.
I am concerned by what seems to be disdain for God's flock coming from the church growth/seeker sensative crowd. Jeremiah pronounced some pretty hefty judgements upon the unfaithful shepherds of Israel for not proclaiming the Word of God.
I don't understand how Jesus communicating well to farmers equates with preaching Craig's book instead of the Bible.
Pastor,
How about it?
Is there any biblical defense of this type of thing beyond the two worn out "Jesus hung with sinners" and "Paul used greek culture" references?
Aren't we fooling ourselves with these kinds of things? We aren't responsible to make converts really, it's something God does...we are just faithful to preach the pure word of God.
What do you think?
Post a Comment