As mixed a message as it sends, luring people to a Sunday service with cash and prizes isn't a new thing for many churches. But at least one pastor is being forthright enough in keeping his intentions out in the open.
"It is gimmicky. It is totally gimmicky. I make no bones about that," said Dan Willis, senior pastor of Lighthouse Church of All Nations in Alsip, Ill., after giving away a combined $1,000 over the last three weeks to attendees. "But if I could get someone who would not normally come to church, why not?"
With churches around the country offering cash, TVs, vacations and even cars to attract newcomers, it's no surprise that Willis' Chicago-area church played along by incorporating the Price Is Right theme song into its services to announce another lucky winn—er, visitor. So far, however, Lighthouse's plan of using money to entice people into a sermon series on finances is obviously working. Sunday attendance, which typically averages around 1,800, has exceeded 2,000 each week this month.
"I was worried how people were going to respond," Willis said. "I thought they might be, 'Oh, yeah, a classic preacher.' We've been blown away by the response."
For those quick to criticize Willis' means, it's obvious his recent sermons—regardless of the giveaways—are hitting a nerve within a community still feeling the affects of the economic recession. Each week this month, the pastor has taught on avoiding debt, living on a budget, tackling debt and the value of savings.
"Our phones ring constantly today with people needing help," Willis said, explaining one of the reasons behind the current series. "We have a food pantry. It's not enough. We have a clothing ministry. It's not enough. We have a furniture ministry. Same thing. Rarely do three days go by when somebody doesn't pull off the ramp outside of here looking for help."
Whether or not Lighthouse's recent sermon series leaves a lasting impact on the community has yet to be determined. Still, one thing is certain: It's a boon for the church. Not only has attendance increased, but according to the congregation's financial director, tithes, offerings and donations to the church have almost doubled during the month. On average, the church brings in around $21,000 each week; this month, it's been more than $40,000 every Sunday. [southtownstar.com, 10/25/09]
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