Let’s say a local sports team with a disillusioned fan base was trying to rally support for the start of its new season. Would the fact that it offered to give away free automobiles to a few lucky fans make you more likely to buy a ticket? Or what about a business looking to launch a new product line that promised to give away thousands of dollars in prizes to those who view a demo presentation at a big convention—would you be interested in attending?
Now how about a church that promised to give away these very things to a few of the thousands of people attending its Easter services? Far fetched? Nope. Consider the recent efforts of Bay Area Fellowship in Corpus Christi, Texas:
So here’s an exercise in reflection and discernment: what, if anything, is wrong with this picture?
HT: Jared Bridges at Evangel