Thus says the Lord: "Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.
But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'" --Jeremiah 6:16

 

25 February, 2007   comments: (0) Today's Pragmatism   Pragmatism Potty In The Press Recently John MacArthur's online Shepherd's Magazine linked to the photos of the seeker sensitive men's room that a reader sent us. Now that restroom is being featured in the secular news. You'll find the article entitled "Come for the Bathroom, Stay for the Service" in the Hastings Star Gazette on Feb. 22nd. The text portion of article is below. I've highlighted sentences that can't help but make you laugh, considering the fact that we are talking about a bathroom here, and not some great overseas missionary endeavor! But then, you can't help but get serious again when you see how easily enamored these folks get by their own trivial innovations. It leaves you wondering if there is any room left in evangelism for the power of the Holy Spirit. Has it now become a contest of Christian creativity pitted against the human will? Can we actually trick people into heaven, by employing enough creative novelties aimed at their affections? It's a sad commentary of our times, and what you are about to read is an indicator of how far modern evangelism has digressed. There are bathrooms, and then there is the men's restroom at Christ's Family Church. The sign by the outside door indicates that it is the men's restroom, but just about everything inside leads the guests to believe they are at the Indianapolis 500 or on the NASCAR circuit. There are hubcaps, a clock made from a rotor and a brake pad mounted on the walls. There is a large, brightly lit 1989 Pennzoil sign mounted above the towel dispenser. Other "highlights" include a framed painting of a Renault Racer, a parking meter mounted on the wall and a "No Parking" sign above the toilet. Of course, the wall tile is done in a black-and-white-checkered flag motif. However, the centerpiece of the room is the black, masterfully airbrush-painted partition wall, complete with reddish orange flames that look almost too real. The church's pastor, Rev. Paris Pasch, said the new look of the room is a surprise to members and guests, but a positive and fun one. "Part of the mission statement at Christ's Family Church is to proclaim God's reconciling love through Jesus Christ to neighbors, co-workers and friends," he said. "The men's room is just one of the many ways this church is trying to accomplish this mission. We are willing to go to any lengths, use any means necessary, to bring people closer to Christ." The project began with several framed Corvette photographs, which led to several ideas to make the men's restroom more presentable to male visitors who come to Christ's Family Church. Under church member Mike Medcraft's direction, the room began to take hold. The focal point became the partition wall, and another church member, Scott Girneau, agreed to paint it black and then "clear-coat" it. "My motivation was 'dare to be different,'" he said. "I thought it would be a great way to reach out to people who wouldn't normally be reached. Girneau said he hoped the room would break the stereotypes of churches. "Too many people feel like they don't belong," Girneau said. "Our hope is that when a person may not necessarily feel welcome, he can walk into the bathroom and say, 'cool.'" Gabe McGinn of Inferno Paintworks painted the flames on the partition wall. "Paris came into my shop and asked me if I would paint the bathroom stall wall in flames," McGinn said. "I was taken aback. It was different for a church, so consequently, I never expected it. I thought the car theme was cool because it fit my personality, so I said I would do it." When the room was completed, the church held a ribbon-cutting ceremony. A visitor in attendance was so moved, she returned later in the week with a guest from Tulsa who took photographs. Two other committee members, Ron Rother and Dana Collins, encouraged others to continue to bring their collectibles for display. The room is unique and fun, but not gaudy, Pasch said. The project committee has gained a sense of ownership, but it is more than that. "We actually have tours," Pasch said. "You come for that and stay to hear the message, the music, the whole experience and have fun. We consider this project as a tool to invite others, to make that bridge to the community. It becomes part of the conversation of the uniqueness of the church." While some of the physical aspects of the church continue to change, the message does not, Pasch stressed. "Our men's room gives members a reason to invite people to church," he said. "That is what Christ's Family Church is all about -- reaching those who have become disenchanted with religion, but are searching for a relationship with Jesus Christ." The person in this church who sent the photos to Old Truth recently emailed this update on the church. In his own words: I had heard that there was going to be another "praise and worship" presentation, using the lights, pre-prepared video of the "praise and worship leader," so my wife and I decided to not attend. Well, I did receive a report from another person, and the "praise and worship" was apparently taken to another level. In addition to the things I had seen the week previous, a "smoke machine" had been rented/borrowed/who knows? and this was included as part of the presentation of "worship." A smoke machine.... This is pure entertainment, since a smoke machine doesn't "preach" anything, except the world. We're glad we skipped. I wonder what's next? Indoor pyrotechnics? Posted by: Jim B.   Link: http://www.oldtruth.com/blog.cfm/id.2.pid.626   Be the first to post a comment about this article        Home  |   About  |  Videos   |  Calvinism