Christian Living

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AMERICAN IDOL VS. MIDWEEK SERVICE:
7 REASONS AMERICAN IDOL IS MORE POPULAR THAN MIDWEEK SERVICE

This week American Idol had 32 million votes cast. Surveys reveal that only a small percentage of Americans attend a midweek service. So why is American Idol more appealing than attending a midweek service?

#1 – Entertainment
When is the last time you could describe the midweek church service as “entertaining?” Just the mere connection of the words “Bible” and “Study” causes the body to bring on a yawn. (In fact, I did when I was typing this!)

#2 – Competition
There is no competition in midweek services. I wonder if we should have a competition between the bible study teachers? Now THAT would be entertainment. The only competition in midweek Bible Study is who can give the most of their opinions.

#3 – Drama
We sit on the edge of our seats for our favorites on American Idol to sing the right notes and get favorable reviews from the judges. Midweek service has no such drama. We’ve heard the same Bible Studies over and over throughout the years.

#4 – Interactive
We can’t dial 1-866-43-BIBLE or participate actively in midweek Bible Studies. Other than some comments we really have no say in the outcome of the service.

#5 - One hour show
We know that our show will last an hour. You never know about midweek service. Sometimes it is drawn out with boring commentaries and lengthy prayer requests.

#6 – Variety
Most people like variety. If American Idol contestants sung the same songs each week it would be boring and ratings would fall. There’s very little variety in midweek services.

#7 – Seasonal
American Idol does not last ALL year. During its absence, we have excited anticipation about the next season.

Your midweek service/Bible Study experience may be different from mine; however, I think it is too easy for the midweek service to get into a rut. American Idol continues to be fresh. Unfortunately, midweek services are not.

Am I saying that our midweek services need to be like American Idol? No, absolutely not, but to be brutally honest with you, the midweek services are dull and boring. Something needs to be done. Creativity is not just limited to people in Hollywood or Executive Producers of these shows. We need to start getting creative ourselves and find ways to re-invent our midweek services or we will continue to see the attendances in a steady decline.

Do we still need Bible Study? Yes.
Do we still need to have church during the week? Yes.

We just need to find a better way. We may not attract 32 million people to church but we can make a change. It’s time to find a better way.

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