Another example of where The Christian Chronicle’s heart is can be seen in their featuring of the carnival hosted by one of “our” churches at their grand opening (sounds like a car dealership, doesn’t it?). Their approval of the event is seen in the very title of the article, which is, “Moving In, The Right Way….” The opening sentence on page 19 of October, 2019’s issue states: “Spider Man, bouncy castles and games of cornhole and pickleball (a combination of badminton and table tennis) highlighted the Sunday afternoon carnival hosted by the Great Falls Church of Christ” (the largest one of “our” congregations in Montana, although three others have about the same number in attendance).
In a picture just above this article, Spider Man lurks on a railing high above the auditorium. The caption reads, “After Sunday worship services, a friendly neighborhood Spider Man invited the children to an outdoor carnival and games as the Great Falls Church of Christ celebrates its grand opening.” Really? Is Spider Man a member? Oh, wait; he’s a fictional character. Why not have Superman and Batman, too, assuming they could put aside their differences? Why not get Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson? Or at least Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark? Apparently, it was the wrong time of year for the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus. So, what does Spiderman have to do with the Lord’s church?
Can anyone imagine such shenanigans occurring 70 years ago? Would Marshall Keeble or Foy Wallace have lent their names to such goings-on? Probably, in those days, we would not have called moving into a new church building a Grand Opening, either, which sounds more like a commercial venture than a spiritual event. In those days, brethren might have invited a well-known gospel preacher to speak on such a day—or even conduct a gospel meeting in connection with the readiness of the facility. It’s safe to say that there would not have been a carnival.
Likely there would have been some pertinent messages, such as, “What is the Church?”; “How Many Churches Are There?”; “The Church in Prophecy”; or “How Do I Become a Member of the Church?” Those who attended would have been edified as to pertinent spiritual truths—not entertained by a common sideshow. Some might argue that the end justifies the means because the building was filled beyond its capacity. Okay. But what about a month later? Six months later? Eventually, one will run out of superheroes to invite. If you get people’s attention by means of the circus, it will require retaining them the same way. God’s plan for drawing people to the gospel involves godly living and good works. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).