Are We An "Entertainment" Focused Society?

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by QueenEsther

Well, I don't have all the ideas I just know that this is what we have been discussing with our youth committee, we are trying to put together an outreach team and it seems that the only way to really reach the youth age and to get their attention is through entertainment. Everyone wants to complain at how horrible the TV is but it is not going to change so lets use it to draw people - not necessarily sermons but attention getting ads, maybe short video clips - we have set up a youth website as well as a myspace acct for our youth group - it is not really being used the way we want it to yet but we are getting there. We are trying to have a few small concerts this year inside and out at places the kids hang out at. Go to the entertainment areas and do outreach. Etc...Nothing anyone else has never though of before, just don't fight the entertainment but go out into it and use it. That is where you will find today's youth is where they can be entertained. We cannot change what the world is doing so we must figure out how to use it to our good.

Well I say this...

If someone wants to do that then I say "go 'head on". If it does a good thing it has my support. And whoever has that vision should jump on it.

Me... I would not be the one to do it. I need to be the one that reaches out to the old timers who grumble because life is too fast. I will reach them where they are while someone else reaches the kids where they are.

It takes all of us and all of our visions to reach the whole world... but I think I have aged beyond my usefulness in this category.

Not knocking it... please don't take my post as knocking it in any way... just realizing that I am not the one to put that particular vision to work.

And some youngster full of energy would go equally as crazy trying to talk to folks who think life is moving too fast.

[MrsMcD]

TV is an electronic drug.

[tbpew]

interesting etymology for amusement....

a
the absence of:
muse
to think, ponder or consider
ment
an action or resulting state

are we seeking things that put our minds to rest?

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by tbpew

interesting etymology for amusement....

a
the absence of:
muse
to think, ponder or consider
ment
an action or resulting state

are we seeking things that put our minds to rest?

So true...

Things that put our mind to rest.... seems like a worthy & lofty goal

[Ron]

Originally Posted by QueenEsther

Well, I don't have all the ideas I just know that this is what we have been discussing with our youth committee, we are trying to put together an outreach team and it seems that the only way to really reach the youth age and to get their attention is through entertainment. Everyone wants to complain at how horrible the TV is but it is not going to change so lets use it to draw people - not necessarily sermons but attention getting ads, maybe short video clips - we have set up a youth website as well as a myspace acct for our youth group - it is not really being used the way we want it to yet but we are getting there. We are trying to have a few small concerts this year inside and out at places the kids hang out at. Go to the entertainment areas and do outreach. Etc...Nothing anyone else has never though of before, just don't fight the entertainment but go out into it and use it. That is where you will find today's youth is where they can be entertained. We cannot change what the world is doing so we must figure out how to use it to our good.

QE, I see where you are coming from, but just want to know this.
Whatever happened to old fashioned "Spirit of God drawing & convicting" of people?

Do we "need entertainment" or use it because it is more convienent?

Not slamming just asking.

[Ron]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

I think Western Culture is going down the tubes so to speak in large part because we have to be entertained. Entertainment is like an addictive drug to some who are always looking for the next high. The quality of our education system is not to be blamed either in regards to educating our youth.

It really starts at home. Turn the TV off.

Good post!

[CC1]

Ron,

No doubt American culture is fascinated with entertainment. I have been blessed that my kids have always been athletic and adventerous and thus more intersested in activities in "real" life than movies and tv. I am more of a couch potato than any of them.

However I have to say that in an amazingly parallel way I have seen the same obsession in old time Pentecost.

Some folks go to church for the supernatural aspects. If they don't see shockamoo (shouting) and a general frenzy then they don't feel like they have had church. Many of these folks are walking by signs and wonders and not faith.

Now I realize there are those who have the right perspective on these things and I am not indicting all of old time Pentecost. I am simply saying I have seen more than my share of this mentality in the church. A lot more concern about the operation of the gifts of the Spirit than the fruit of the Spirit in their lives.

[BoredOutOfMyMind]

RonB-

Simple Answer

YES

[BoredOutOfMyMind]

Originally Posted by CC1

Ron,

No doubt American culture is fascinated with entertainment. I have been blessed that my kids have always been athletic and adventerous and thus more intersested in activities in "real" life than movies and tv. I am more of a couch potato than any of them.

However I have to say that in an amazingly parallel way I have seen the same obsession in old time Pentecost.

Some folks go to church for the supernatural aspects. If they don't see shockamoo (shouting) and a general frenzy then they don't feel like they have had church. Many of these folks are walking by signs and wonders and not faith.

Now I realize there are those who have the right perspective on these things and I am not indicting all of old time Pentecost. I am simply saying I have seen more than my share of this mentality in the church. A lot more concern about the operation of the gifts of the Spirit than the fruit of the Spirit in their lives.

Some churches no longer need Kleenex, for none of the preach me under the pew preaching is found. Tears missing from the Altar of Conviction and silent Prayer Rooms.

But look at those touchy feely words on that there big screen overhead!

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Ron

I didn't get a response on the "basis for a walk with Jesus" thread so here goes again.

Are we an entertainment obsessed culture? I believe in the world at least in North America we are.

How about in the Church?
Have we become so Entertainment Focused that we would be more inclined to
be Entertainment than to Fast? Than to Pray? Than to attend Revivals?
Than to go on outreach? Than to teach Bible Studies?

In speaking to a Minister friend of mine he stated that he was against TV because it is not only not Spiritually Healthy but is a big Time Waster, when their is work to be done for the Kingdom by all the Saints not just Ministry.

He has a "Strong Point" to be made. Are we an Entertainment Oriented culture in our Churches rather than a Revival Oriented culture?

Your Thoughts?

For or against?

Why, why not?

I listened to a great sermon last night that answers this question.
The minister was Anthony Mangun teaching on John 2:15-17 Love Not The World.

http://www.thepentecostals.org/live.asp

Near the end he says "What is worldly? Anything that puts more emphasis on time than it does eternity is wordly. Anything that makes anything in this life more important than the next life is worldly. Anything making you want to stay down here is worldly"

He defines what the world is as at the beginning of his sermon relating it to the prince of this world trying to keep up from an intimate relationship with God.

Is the church become more entertainment focused? yes.