Comments on: Priest Idol (Programme 1)

By: Yasmin

Yasmin — Tue, 15 Nov 2005 19:36:35 +0000

I see what you’re saying. “I think the Vicar did the best he could in the circumstance ” – absolutely, I would agree.
Something I thought about was this whole idea of one-man-band if there was a team (I know-resources probably wouldn’t stretch to this!) but then there would be people who could walk alongside while others lead the service.

But you’re right, it all takes time, and we’ve only seen the first episode!

By: Dave

Dave — Tue, 15 Nov 2005 11:21:02 +0000

Welcome Olive. Yes indeed, some humour in a sermon helps. Though in this case the comedian had a lot to teach the Vicar just in terms of his general manner and style.

Yasmin. Absolutely, being invited to church is the ideal. But this parish hadn’t reached the stage of having anyone there in the first place to invite their friends to church. I think the Vicar did the best he could in the circumstance which is to go out and talk to the people where they are, taking with him a leaflet with the service details on. I think that letting people know he and the church was there was as good a first step as he could make on the first week, even if none of them came along. But yes, if in a few months time giving out leaflets was all they were doing something would be wrong.

By: Yasmin

Yasmin — Tue, 15 Nov 2005 01:05:53 +0000

The colour isn’t really the issue is it? It’s the method of communication I have a problem with. Humans run on relationships. New people will come to church because they know someone who will walk through the door with them, sit with them, show them when to stand, what to say, when to say it and be there for them in that awkward moment after the blessing when it’s finished, but no-one knows quite what to do.

People will not cross such a high cultural and social threshold with only a piece of paper (expensive or not) for company.

In ministry too often we just don’t realise this. We’re busy and think they just need the practical info (times etc.) on a handout.

By: Olive Morgan

Olive Morgan — Tue, 15 Nov 2005 00:42:01 +0000

I was sorry to miss this TV programme, but I can testify to the difference that comedy makes to sermons. Our minister, with his ready Irish wit, certainly ensures that we listen to his sermons – even if some still struggle with his accent!

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 14 Nov 2005 22:51:50 +0000

Thanks for dropping by Yasmin,

I’ll comment on some of the points in your blog post in a mo. But about the coloured paper – why not? Surely it depends where you live. Maybe in some places you need to print something expensive to get through, but over here at least we get a load of photocopied sheets of coloured paper through the door every day. Estate agents, menus, you name it. And if its an acceptable means of communication in the place you live why not use it.

By: Yasmin

Yasmin — Mon, 14 Nov 2005 22:14:46 +0000

Hello, just been posting on this myself. I like your comments and would agree with what you say, but in the end i found it a real wind up. I think the church is so obviously out of touch. The American priest was doing good stuff, but he still was fundamentally trying to ‘get them in the gate’. And leaflets printed on coloured paper are NEVER going to get people in to a church service, no matter what font you use.
Looking forward to next week.