Great Lakes Church Wins Hall of Shame Award
Feb 06 by Ingrid Schlueter
The latest Slice of Laodicea Hall of Shame Award goes to the brand new Great Lakes Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Thank you to a Kenosha resident for sending in their full color promotional flyer promoting their big opening day this Sunday. This new effort, a virtual carbon copy of hundreds springing up like weeds across the country, boasts the following attractions for attendees:
LOUD MUSIC
CASUAL ATMOSPHERE
SHORT SERVICE
FUN FOR KIDS
In large letters, especially well suited to catch the eyes of children who find this in the mailbox, it reads, “thank God for SEX.” A photograph depicts two moronic looking characters leaping in ecstasy while staring at the ceiling.
The flyer continues with the “church’s” selling points.
What should I expect?
Loud music, laughter, fun kids programs and a casual atmosphere…We wanted to start a church that was great for men…that’s why you’ll notice our media emphasis, short services, my stupid jokes and a place where you can dress however the heck you want!
Clearly there’s a high view of men at this church: they apparently see men as slob dressers who have to have “media”, enjoy stupid jokes and have the attention span of gnats.
You are encouraged to “test drive” the church online before you show up.
No mention is made of Jesus Christ. Apparently, He is not on offer at Great Lakes Church.
These new churches have taken the man-centered philosophy of the original seeker churches and placed it on steroids. It has become farcical. We have Christ-less, cross-less churches, perma-adolescent goat herder pastors, in this case, one who uses sex as the attraction for his inaugural church service. This is the archetypal, original ME church. Check out the sermon series titles for their first month of services:
Better Relationships: Moving past trying to read your lover’s mind
Great Sex: Bedroom—From battleground to playground
Sexual Healing: The past doesn’t = the future
Sexy and Single: Why God Doesn’t Care About Your Virginity…
Everyone of these sermons has ME at the forefront. Better relationships–for ME. Great sex: for ME. Sexual Healing: for ME. Sexy and single: for ME!
Compare this church’s theology anthropology with the theology of the true church of Jesus Christ down through the ages.
Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious;
See the Man of Sorrows now!
From the fight returned victorious,
Every knee to Him shall bow.
Crown Him! Crown Him!
Crowns become the Victor’s brow.
Crown the Savior! Angels, crown Him!
Rich the trophies Jesus brings;
On the seat of power enthrone Him
While the vault of heaven rings.
Crown Him! Crown Him!
Crown the Savior King of kings.
Sinners in derision crowned Him,
Mocking thus the Savior’s claim;
Saints and angels crowd around Him,
Own His title, praise His name.
Crown Him! Crown Him!
Spread abroad the Victor’s fame!
Hark, those bursts of acclamation!
Hark, those loud triumphant chords!
Jesus takes the highest station;
Oh, what joy the sight affords!
Crown Him! Crown Him!
King of kings and Lord of lords!
(The Lutheran Hymnal, #222, text taken from Phil. 2:9-11)
