I was recently interviewed by a local newspaper to talk about church planting. I spoke with the reporter for about an hour. I talked about our distinctive emphasis on teaching, namely, Christ-centered teaching and preaching that brings Gospel transformation. I mentioned expository preaching, and I emphasized that we focus on “prayer and the ministry of the word.” Beside getting one or two quotes right, words like “entrepreneurial spirit,” and “business model” found their way in the piece. I don’t know where they came from! I never used them. I did speak about the administrative aspects of establishing a new work. I am not even so bothered by the words “entrepreneurial spirit” if it were defined carefully. But “business model?” I guess the lesson is, make sure you only just talk about Jesus. I certainly talked about Christ and Him crucified throughout, but there was no mention of Him in the piece. You can read the article here.
Leaving Jesus Out
4 Responses to “Leaving Jesus Out”
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I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve. (Romans 16:17-18)
Nick
The problem is that many out there are thinking “Great! that church empahizes an entrepreneurial spirit and has a business model”. Hey, you might even get some business men attending as a result!
Matt
Nick,
It reminds us that we may be faithful in taking the opportunities that God gives us but we have no control over the result!
btw one of your fellow interviewees said there is one church for 2800 people in his locality. You should come to the West Midlands, UK – 1 to 4500! Plenty of room here. Send some of your guys over…
Oops. Wrong link. Mush brain.
Terry Mattingly has a blog-post perhaps relevant to this– Palin’s Pastor Meets The Press. Interesting tips, such as
**Your 2-hour interview might wind up as a 20-second sound bite.
**Frequently, “journalists” already have the story in mind and are interviewing you just to mine a quote.