Is There Even A Connection Between Entertainment and Ministry?
I hate to quote Perry Noble again, but… this is something that needs to be addressed.
It bothers me how often churches will allow sub par ministry to exist and at the same time have the guts to claim they are “Spirit led.”
What is he talking about? I agree, sub-par ministry should be dealt with accordingly. But what Perry describes as “sub-par” is incorrect.
Perry states:
We believe the church should be doing ministry WAY BETTER than the world does entertainment.
- Our singers should be better!
- Our artists should be better!
- Our speakers should be better!
- Our childrens and youth ministry should be better than MTV or Disney!
WHY? BECAUSE WE HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT OF THE ALMIGHTY GOD LEADING US, WORKING IN US…AND BECAUSE OF THAT WE HAVE NO EXCUSE AS TO WHY WE DON’T GIVE HIM OUR BEST!
I completely agree, we should give our best to God, and Malachi chapter 1 emphasizes the importance of giving your first and best.
However, this has nothing to do with outward appearances. True worship comes from a humble and broken heart, not from having the best pitch and tone. We should still keep in mind those things, our best should be put into practice and learning songs, etc… but not our main focus.
Yes we present our best to God, but God doesn’t accept our praise if we praise Him with just pleasing sounds and have no love in our hearts for Him, we are nothing more than an annoying cymbal.
Grace and Peace.
Comment by Micah
Agreed. You posted my exact thoughts on this before I had a chance to.
Posted on February 14, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Comment by Brandon
I think there is a connection between entertainment and ministry to a certain extent. I think what Perry is encouraging is for churches to find the best talent possible for their church services. When someone who is lost comes into a service and hears singers that are hard to listen to, that could push them away from church. NewSpring is big on reaching the un-churched so this an important facet.
I can understand where it would not be as important in other churches that are smaller who have less resources maybe, but I don’t think Perry is putting outward looks over the heart of the matter.
Posted on February 17, 2009 at 11:34 am
Comment by Matt Brammer
I don’t think so either.
But gatherings of churches are for God and believers. We shouldn’t have to make thinks look appealing, God will do that.
Thanks for the comment!
Posted on February 17, 2009 at 12:50 pm