Warning: The article below is a bit of sarcastic humor. I am speaking in hyperbole to make a point. The football fan noted represents a very rabid football fan. The church member represents some, but certainly not all, church members.
Disclosure: I tend to be a rabid college football fan. I see my allegiance as an area of devotion that needs significant adjustments downwardly. So I don’t necessarily practice what I preach. For example, even as I type these words, I am reminded that the kickoff for my team’s first game of the season is exactly five weeks from today.
Caution: While I do write these comparisons with some humor and a lot of hyperbole, you might get just a bit uncomfortable reading them. That may indicate there is some truth in each of them.
- A college football fan loves to win. The typical church member never wins someone to Christ.
- A college football fan gets excited if a game goes into overtime. A church member gets mad if the pastor preaches one minute past the allocated time.
- A college football fan is loyal to his or her team no matter what. A church member stops attending if things are not going well.
- A college football fan is easily recognized by his or her sportswear, bumper stickers, and team flags. Many church members cannot even be recognized as Christians by people with whom they associate.
- A college football fan pays huge dollars for tickets, travel, and refreshments for games. A church member may or may not give to his or her church.
- A college football fan reads about his or her football team every day. A church member rarely reads the Bible once in the course of a week.
- A college football fan attends the game no matter how bad the weather is. A church member stays home if there is a 20 percent chance of rain.
- A college football fan invites others to watch the game every week. A church member rarely invites someone to church.
- A college football fan is known for his or her passion for the football team. A church member is rarely known for his or her passion for the gospel.
- A college football fan will adjust gladly to changes in kickoff time. A church member gets mad if his or her service time is changed by just a few minutes.
- A college football fan is loyal even if he or she never gets to meet the coach. A church member gets mad if the pastor does not visit for every possible occasion.
Yes, I admit I do enjoy college football. But I really love Christ’s churches even more. I need to demonstrate that reality more readily. Do you?
So . . . what would you add to my somewhat sarcastic list? Do you see the humor? Do you see some truth?
Posted on July 26, 2014
With nearly 40 years of ministry experience, Thom Rainer has spent a lifetime committed to the growth and health of local churches across North America.
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103 Comments
I think the problem is we emphasize being “good church members” instead of growing in love and adoration for Christ. If the Gospel takes hold of your heart & entire life, commitment to the body of Christ & His mission becomes a non-issue. You can’t just muster up dedication, it has to flow from making much of Christ!
the above list is great but I’m disappointed at some of the comments that paint all football fans as loud, obnoxious drunks. There is no need to stereotype everyone into one category. I love college football and love my team but I do not drink or get drunk at games. And I’m very enthusiastic about my church and my faith as well. I volunteer at my church, tithe and volunteer in my community. I wholeheartedly take part in worship. I do agree that many Christians need to do a better job at living out their faith instead of being critical of people and acting self righteous. They will know we are Christians by our love.
Amen sister! I love pro ball …Colt’s! ! I am also a youth pastor and assistant praise and worship leader. Once, I heard someone say that they felt sorry for the people who went to the super bowl and not church if Christ returned that day. I asked him if the whole stadium was going to hell ! To which I got no reply. I am sure that some or these people spend more time online than some watch a ball game. Think about the religious people who condemned Jesus for places He went. We can still do His work in these places and have a good time! I love our God!!!
Great word Thom. I am doing a sermon series in January 2015 based on your “I am a church member” book. Do you know of any good sermon bumpers I could use for that series?
Dr Thom
Your post funny and kind of true but reading some of the comments wow. You have poke a hornets nest. LOL. Seems like some Martha syndrome if you know what I mean.
Peace out
Jimmy Marr
Football fans talk about the game all week long; church members don’t even remember what the main point of the sermon was two hours later.
How about this; college football fans see no difference in one another as fans of a team, they love one another.
Church members point out differences and can’t get passed them, where’s the love.
College football fans don’t complain about a 3 hour football game.
Church members will get frustrated and leave the church if the pastor can’t get it wraped up in 35 minutes 🙂
FYI I’m giving a lot of grace more like 20…lol lol
I think ‘beth’ & a couple others missed the humor side of this. Thanks for giving us all a few things to think about Thom, in a funny, encouraging way. For me personally, usually a more positive impact is made in my thoughts & actions through lightheaded encouragement rather than defensive badgering! While I definitely remember both experiences, generally change is only made when I feel encouraged. Take care.
Thanks, Lori!
A college football fan recognizes the grueling labor in training their players endure. A church member is content with spreading the Gospel with a flu-shot mentality known as the “sinner’s prayer” so they can quickly get on with other things.
A college football fan teaches their child their team’s war cry as soon as the child begins to talk. A church member depends on someone else to teach their children the Lord’s Prayer, simple scripture verses, etc.