Spark2Flame

Have you noticed that the headlines to stories these days are intentionally sensational and misleading? Of course, you have. It’s been that way for a while.

Some are misleading while others essentially lie to get you to look. One I saw said Jamie Spears Wants Britney to Run Wild. Not going to lie, I clicked. It was a few paragraphs about Britney Spears’ dad, who has had control of her estate during her troubles, getting close to turning it all back over to her. Hardly proves he wants her to “run wild.”

Another was a “where are they now” type thing that’s just rude. Headline reads, Wow, You Got Old: The Facts of Life. It tells where the stars of the TV show are today.

These tactics are used in covering politics, entertainment (especially), religion, health, and everything else under the sun. Make it sensational, even controversial, so you can grab the attention and focus.

Sadly, it happens in churches as well. Let’s teach on a controversial subject in a sensational way so people who wouldn’t normally come will come.

The headline may draw someone, but it won’t keep them there. There is so much fighting for attention, demanding our focus. If the sensational claims of the best sex and great wealth don’t hold up, where does it leave us? It leaves us with a tabloid church that doesn’t genuinely care about people, but needs them to stay open. Someone has to buy what they’re selling.

Also, it sets up a constant struggle to one-up the last one, get more outrageous for the simple sake of being outrageous. It perpetuates the attractional model of church where we bring them all in instead of every believer taking responsibility to live the Gospel for the world to see.

I’m not saying the Church can’t add to the discussion about sex, marriage, parenting, finances, etc. but if all we’re after is get someone in, there’s something wrong. I’m also not saying that everyone who does a controversial series at their church has the wrong motivation, but does it work ultimately? Are lives radically changed? Is the Kingdom of God advanced?

Here’s a great headline: My Life Has Been Forever Changed by Jesus. I overcome by the blood of the Lamb and my testimony. If I haven’t experienced it, no one can fully get it from me.

Even so, I don’t want to just have headlines—to throw something out hoping people will come see me. I want to be ready to go and share the hope I’ve found every day of my life.