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A Chicago church has started giving away $1,000 each week in various amounts through a weekly lottery. Church attendees who are sitting in the winning seat win whatever the amount is for that drawing. Needless to say, the church attendance has increased dramatically since the lottery began. I definitely have some questions of my own about the idea and I think William Schweiker, the Theological Ethicist from the University of Chicago, who was interviewed in the video brought up some great points as well, about what this may promote & teach. So, now its your turn…What do you think about the idea of a church holding a lottery to draw new attendees from the community? Is it a bad thing? Does it allow for more people to hear the Gospel (if its preached)? Does it promote a “Prosperity” Gospel? Can we really speak clearly on Pastor Dan Willis’ motives? Dive in…What’s your thoughts?
There are two models of church growth that I am aware of. One is “core to crowd” and the other “crowd to core.” Each of these have their pros and cons, which could be a whole other topic of conversation. If this money giveaway is an intentional implemented strategy, it seems that the Pastor of this church is trying to do the “crowd to core” method.
I would like to see how the money giveaway fits into the Pastor’s overall plan for making disciples. I would then be able to assess the situation more thoroughly. With that said, from “face value” this is what I gather:
It’s clearly easy to fill a house full of people, if you have the money to do so, via prizes, giveaways etc. If filling a house (or getting more to come) in order to hear the Gospel is indeed the Pastor’s goal, then he has met it. No matter his motive, what he does to “get” a congregation, he will have to continue doing to “keep” them.
It’s my opinion that if the Pastor wants to make disciples of Jesus Christ that have a passion to build the Kingdom of God; giving away money at church in hopes that some will catch a nugget of truth and become disciples, while they are there to get cash, is not the best way to do it.
As church leaders we should methodically seek out ways to make disciple makers of Jesus Christ. In doing so we will hopefully have something in there that would make people want to come to our environments. Giving money away, probably isn’t the best way to do it. That could lead to a number of issues as pointed out by William Schweiker in the video. So, just because Pastor Dan because “can” do something like that, doesn’t mean he “should”, because what he does to “get” a congregation, he will have to do to “keep” them. Think about that.
.-= Joey Faulk´s last blog ..Exploring the New Testament Audio Study Guide Test 2 =-.
Money is being lifted up and drawing the crowds to it! This is such sad apostasy! Jesus said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto Me!
Jesus had the same problem in His day. After His miracle of feeding the thousands, people were following Jesus for the earthly food. When He began to teach spiritual matters, the crowds deserted Him. The same will happen at this church when the money ceases to flow.