Worship and Football: Lets Take Another Look
At a recent seminar we were asked to imagine if some football commentators were giving advice to churches about how to increase their attendance. They might suggest the following:
- Charge people $5 to $20 for admission.
- Replace padded pews with hard, backless benches.
- Take off the roof and make the people endure the elements-cold, wind, heat, rain, whatever.
- Make the service last more than 3 hours.
- Require that they scream and shout every few minutes.
A football game is always a dramatic conflict. It is always clear which side to root for, who is ahead, and which side has won. In a worship assembly the conflict is there; in fact, it's a much more vital conflict than the clashing line of scrimmage. But this conflict is often hidden. People may be unaware that it even exists. Even more difficult to discern is which team is ahead. And when the assembly is over, who has really won? In a sense, the game is not over then--it just goes on and on.
The most significant difference is in the degree of involvement. Someone has said that in football, thousands badly in need of exercise watch 22 players badly in need of rest. But a worship assembly actually has no spectators. We are all in the game, on one side or the other. If you arrive at an assembly thinking you are a spectator, how differently do you act than if you realize you are a player?
Imagine how many would attend a football game if all were expected to play. It's your involvement that makes a worship assembly truly meaningful. Get up off the bench and throw yourself into the game!
Copyright ©2005 Steve Singleton, All rights reserved.
Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.
Go to his DeeperStudy.com for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."
Latest News
Sweet Treats From Sweet Muse Make Perfect Gifts That Delight and ... MarketWatch - Packaged with each brownie is an inspirational message or special quote, which makes each treat incredibly special. Messages can be selected from existing ... |
Reader's Digest Honors Inspirational Teacher PR Web (press release), WA - Salome Thomas-EL, an award-winning teacher and principal in Philadelphia, PA, was among nineteen "American Icons" honored for their wisdom, ... |
Cascade producer releases second inspirational DVD edition Great Falls Tribune, MT - By JO DEE BLACK • Tribune Business Editor • December 2, 2008 CASCADE — Cheryl Andersen's first attempt at commercializing her husband's photography hobby ... |
Inspirational journalist bows out The Australian, Australia - Macswan, a former war correspondent, foreign correspondent and associate editor of the national news agency Australian Associated Press, died in Sydney ... |
Teen's inspirational story hits home MayoClinic.com - I was preceded in the program by a 17-year-old woman who was inspirational as she shared her story with the audience. At age 13, she was an athletic, ... |
Have an inspirational story? We're all ears Orlando Sentinel, FL - Do you have an interesting story to tell about your journey to a more active lifestyle? It can be a story about your significant weight loss, your training ... |
OUR VIEW: Our teachers, our neighbors, we honor you SouthCoastToday.com, MA - Inspirational teachers not only challenge students to achieve, but instill in them life lessons and the love of learning. To recognize the special place ... "Teacher of Year" nominations accepted |
 TVNZ | Inspirational Ronaldo wins global award Daily Nation, Kenya - By REUTERSPosted Tuesday, December 2 2008 at 18:36 Manchester United and Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Ballon d’Or on Tuesday after ... Why the Ballon D'or is Stupid and Quite Possibly Evil |
Ducks' Reed tops list at team awards EastOregonian.info (subscription), OR - The Ducks' Most Outstanding and Most Inspirational honors are voted on by the Oregon players. Oregon improved its record to 9-3, concluding its regular ... |
Duck Awards Banquet The Oregonian - OregonLive.com, OR - Sunday night Nick Reed was named team MVP, Jeremiah Johnson was given the Most Inspirational Player Award, and Terence Scott was given the Most Improved ... |
Resources
-
Fit Over 40 - Anti Aging - Life Extension - Senior Fitness - Masters Athletes - Longevity
Look younger and sexier, boost your metabolism, gain muscle, lose weight safely and naturally, and read over 50 incredible, inspiring real life success stories which prove that this will work for you too, regardless of how old or out of shape you are!
-
Screensaver Quotes - Inspiring Motivational Screensavers
Motivational Screensavers with Inspiring Quotes - Inspirational Screensavers with Beautiful Colors, Sunsets, and Rainbows :)
-
Ordinary Words Extraordinary Power, A Dictionary of Distinctions by Danish Ahmed
'Ordinary words ~ Extraordinary Power
-
Healthy Christms Book Offer
Discouraged about your weight? Uplifting and fun support for women. Recipes, tips, prayers, success stories, more. Darling Inspirational bracelets: 4 for $10.00.
-
Inspirational Kids Stories
Inspirational kids stories. Stories with a moral, so that your child can learn about the life
-
Inspirational Quotes and Short Motivational Stories
Inspirational Quotes and Short Motivational Stories for Everyday Living
-
Success Motivation Inspiration
Success Is Your Birthright Too! An Inspirational ebook and mp3 audio program that helps everyday people achieve the success they thought was reserved for everyone else. Motivational quotes, goal setting, dress for success, ebooks.