I tend to think both of you make pretty good arguments, but perhaps the reality lies somewhere in the middle. As far as having a "Hot Tub" mentality, I do think we should be doing whatever it takes to draw people to Christ. However, I think we cheapen the message and deny it's power when we say that those "things" are necessary to reach people. And Jesus was most decidedly unHotTub. I'm sorry, yes He told stories and parables, but that is a far cry from offering day cares, organized sports teams, Mom's mornings out, etc.... On occasion when necessary, he did provide for their basic needs, but even that was done out of neccesity and not "come here me speak and get a free meakl." It was the message He offered that spoke to people, not the things of this world.
I think instead of the argument of which way is best, perhaps the time is better spent on combating the greater problem of people either not hearing the message or not fully believing it.
Janice wrote about people leaaving when the "things" are gone. What can we do about that? I don't believe the Hot Tub is a necessity to draw them in, but I also don't think it is necessarily a bad idea. How do we get unsaved and spiritually immature people to come and give of themselves and not just have the "what's in it for me" attitude?
P.S. regardless of this line of discussion, Janice, I thought your initial analogy of the kids in the car was a great way of getting across that idea of greater things await us. I will introduce it to my pastor and possibly incorporate it in the future. He has big plans ofr our church and you nailed it on the head when you talked about immature Christains being content and nto seeing what awaits. Thanks you for your thoughts... You too John, I think you got slightly off subject from the original, but had very valid points as well.
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This is the debut album by EXW friend Paul Langford. Paul is a Chicago based singer, arranger, keyboardist, producer and conductor. Paul has a career that spans 14 years. Paul's work includes arranging for groups like GLAD, Voices of Liberty, VoiceTrek, The Chicago based "Caroling Party" and Day of Discovery Singers. His arranging has appeared on recordings side by side with greats like Gene Puerling and David Maddux, and he has sung with Don Shelton, Bonnie Herman and Bob Bowker, among others.