The Blizzard Sermon
We spent about four hours shooting this weekend's message. It doesn't snow much in DC, but our video shoot coincided with the heaviest snow of the year. I was soaking wet and freezing cold by the time we called it a wrap. We hit several places in DC that supplemented the message including the IRS, McDonald's drive-thru, and the ATM at my bank.
Producing the message is a lot more difficult than just preaching it! I think it'll be a good change of pace. We're really trying to keep our creative edge sharp this year. We don't want to just do things the way we've always done them. We have a core value: everything is an experiment. Last weekend we experimented with more meditative worship by adding Scripture verses to our worship set. This weekend it'll be a video message.
I ran out of mental energy. And I found myself cutting out some of the content because it felt longer on video than it does behind the pulpit. But I think the message will preach. Look forward to seeing what our media department does with it.
Producing the message is a lot more difficult than just preaching it! I think it'll be a good change of pace. We're really trying to keep our creative edge sharp this year. We don't want to just do things the way we've always done them. We have a core value: everything is an experiment. Last weekend we experimented with more meditative worship by adding Scripture verses to our worship set. This weekend it'll be a video message.
I ran out of mental energy. And I found myself cutting out some of the content because it felt longer on video than it does behind the pulpit. But I think the message will preach. Look forward to seeing what our media department does with it.
7 Comments:
You're not kidding! I was able to sneak a little preview this afternoon of some of the footage. Looks great! But I hope the budget can afford wiper blades for the cameras on the next blizzard sermon. :)
Mark,
Any chance that those of us who don't attend NCC can get a copy of the video after next Sunday?
Looking forward to it! Thanks for the sacrifice of comfort to bring us this sermon series. :)
Well, we saw your message this weekend and while very creative, it was very self serving. I only say that because I've heard one to many "you need to give" messages this year. Admittedly, we've only been to about 30 services and at least five of them have been the same exact giving message with your same story. Please change up your "giving" messages from time to time.
Sure, you personally give 10 percent of your income to the church but I refuse. There are so many other causes that I want to give to but there is only so much I can give. We break down my 10 percent into sections which of course include the church but other organizations too.
I think it is too much to say give 10 percent to the church. Say, give as much as you can but not an amount. So many people and places need money and all of it is giving to God so please be aware.
You have been very blessed but God is working in other places, not only the church. His love is all around and is making waves everywhere in this country.
Matt,
Thanks so much for the comment. When we do an experiment like this we really rely on feedback.
Most of the feedback has been really positive, but we realize that not everyone will respond to this type of message the same way. Some will love the creative approach with a fresh look. Others will just want the message in person from behind the pulpit.
A few thoughts on your comments:
1)Self-serving? I really have to push back on this one. We unapologetically believe that investing in the kingdom of God is the greatest invest we can make. NCC is all about reaching the unchurched, introducing them to Christ, and helping them become fully devoted Christ followers. We also give hundreds of thousands of dollars to missions. I sure hope that isn't self-serving. I hope it's all about expanding the kingdom of God in DC and around the world.
2) Based on Malachi 3, I've always felt the tithe belongs to the storehouse--the place where you get fed spiritually. And I think that is the local church. And then we encourage people to give above and beyond the tithe--10%--to missions and other causes. I totally agree that there are amazing causes beyond NCC. But I also hope that everyone who considers NCC their church home believes in what we're doing enough to tithe. Does that make sense? That is my honest opinion. But I also wouldn't squabble over this :) If your giving is expanding the kingdom somewhere else then praise God!
3) While I did repeat one story, I did it because I felt like it would be more meaningful and memorable if we shot the video where the miracle happened. But the other points and things I've never talked about. Giving was one point. The other points were on things like investing and budgeting, etc. I'm pretty sure that 75% of the content were things we've haven't talked about at all in other messages that focused exclusively on giving. You shot straight so I feel like I ought to do the same. I wonder if you checked out a little after the first point?
Thanks again for the courage to share your honest comments. Hope my response gives some perspective. I try to process every comment, even if I don't completely agree. In fact, especially if I don't completely agree :)
Blessings,
Mark
Mark,
I thoroughly enjoyed the service this morning. I felt the message had the perfect blend of information, comedy, and “connecting the dots.” What I mean by this is that…growing up in a traditional church you’re taught to give…and that’s about it. It’s just “what you do.” It was the first time I’ve actually heard someone explain the reasons why it’s so important and explain them in a biblical context. I believe that your ability to be able to be straight with the church is what makes me coming back every week. Clearly there will be some people who disagree with your/NCC’s approaches to new ideas, but I feel the world needs more people like you who are willing to get out there and tell people how it is and why it is, rather than just saying..HEY DO THIS! =)
In response to the comment above, I’ve been an NCCer for over a year now, and I have heard different perspectives you give on some of your life experiences. Some of them may be repeated, but different days impact people different ways. You could say the same exact story to two different people and it would impact them tremendously different. That’s what is exciting about God’s message. He’s speaking through you and your life stories to different people in different ways. Some pastors won’t humble themselves to share the things that you do. I thank and praise God for you to have the courage to “step on toes” to get God’s message across.
Ohh…and Kudos to the praise band and Parker’s joke..haha.
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