Super Bowl Sunday
Listen, I’m the last person to care about the Super Bowl. Last time I actually made an effort to tune in was because Katy Perry was playing the half-time show (She slayed by the way). That being said, I understand that, unlike me, the majority of Americans will be tailgating, hosting parties, eating frozen pizza, drinking cheap beer and watching the game. What I also know is that Super Bowl Sunday is typically the lowest attended Sunday for churches across the country. Crossroads, the church I happily attend, saw this trend and decided that we should try to flip that statistic. Super Bowl Sunday is now the most attended Sunday of the year at Crossroads. Now, why is that?
The Super Bowl of Preaching
Each year, Crossroads hosts The Super Bowl of Preaching, an event including a halftime show, Super Bowl commercials, and a massive tailgate with beer, food, and friends. In the midst of all this, Jesus is invited to the Super Bowl through messages delivered in a quasi-competition of preaching between the two lead pastors, Brian and Chuck. (Video is above.) It has become an event that not only members of Crossroads look forward to, but also a celebration for the communities surrounding Crossroads. This kind of direct cultural engagement is what has made Super Bowl Sunday the most attended Sunday of the year at Crossroads. You might be reading this thinking that beer couldn’t or shouldn’t be served in church or the only involvement God’s people should have with the Super Bowl should be the youth group Super Bowl party at which we avert our eyes from the screen during the halftime show in case Janet’s tatted nipple makes a reappearance. As easy as it is to do sometimes, I don't believe we are called to compartmentalize our lives into "church life" or "social life" or "work life." That being said, I would argue that Jesus wants to be present in every part of our lives, Super Bowl festivities included. If we’re gonna be celebrating football on Sunday anyway, why NOT do it at church?
1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
The Invite
So, why am I telling you about all this? Because honestly, I’d love to see you there! If you love Jesus, then invite him into your Super Bowl celebrations. If you don’t know what you believe, come have a beer, eat a hot dog, and ask questions. If you’re a football fanatic wear your favorite jersey and if you just watch for the halftime show, like myself, wear your favorite performer’s concert tee. Basically, what I’m trying to say is that you should come because no matter who you are, you’ll have a good time! You might even find community, your future spouse, or be introduced to God. And don't worry. It'll be over in time for you to watch the ACTUAL Super Bowl.
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