Just when you thought the seeker-sensitive apostacy couldn’t go any further, then THIS arrives! What blasphemey to distort the Lord’s Supper in this manner!
“Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks thecup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.” 1 Cor 11:27
CLOWN COMMUNION
OH LORD COME QUICKLY!!!
HT: WOTHMR
Filed under: Apologetics, Church Life, Church Marquees, Emergent Church, Humor, Purpose Driven Madness
Tony, I saw this nonsense on the website from your last post. I guess these ministers are dressing the part, if they are going to act like clowns, why not look the part. The guy on the elephant should have put on a clown costume too.
I guess the sign is right, there is probably to much clown lead worship in the American church these days.
Craig,
Could there be a better manifestation of this verse:
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” 2 Timothy 4:3
If you have a chance, watch the video. I went through the emotions of laughing, crying, to anger in about 10 minutes.
tr
I’ve never liked clowns, and here is one more reason not to. This is disgusting on many levels.
Amen Neil.
tr
Tony
I watched as much of the video as I could stand. The idea of creative ways to communicate the gospel is fine, but this show trivializes worship & labels it as entertainment. A few years ago I read where a the pastoral staff of a large church in Arizona had a Sunday morning wrestling match involving the staff. They also had circus worship. Keeping people happy and entertained has become the mission of many churches.
Yes it has, and it is very sad. I think the low view of God coming from the pulpits has contributed to this disaster.
One thing it is for sure, it is a clear indication that people don’t understand the gospel. It is sad when the Living God of the Universe assumes our form and dies to pay for our sins isn’t enough to keep our attention, and His Word to us is something we think is second to a circus.
Wow. Wow. Did I say Wow?
tr
Well… I don’t see this as distrubing or inflammatory, but rather demeaning. There is a critical need to bring the gospel to the youth, and to teach them to make room for God in their lives. The question is, how do we do this while respecting tradition and the essential functions of the liturgy, including the sacraments?
It’s nothing new for the liturgy to be varied according to local tastes. Sunday School puppet shows and teen ministry guest bands are an effective way to get the youth involved with and interested in the service. And I don’t think anyone but the most conservative fundamentalist would call out as sacrilige the substitution of such programs for a hymn or homily.
But messing with the sacraments does go too far. Mainline churches have well-established theology regarding Communion and I do not think there is room for clowning around or elephants in the Lord’s Supper. With that said, is it necessary to yell “make it stop!” at the tops of our lungs, in order to actually make it stop? Is it salutary to draw public attention to errors–therefore giving atheists and Marxists ammunition with which to assault the church at large?
Let’s take care not to sensationalize liturgical irregularities–even those which border on sacrelige. No good can come of it. We should point them out in a neighborly fashion, rather than turning a disagreement into an eristic dispute. Let’s address the problem without hurting the church.
Pub,
The error I see in your view is that one comes to the conclusion that puppet shows are effective at getting people interested, only when they misunderstand the purpose for church.
Church is not intended to be a place to entice sinners to come to get saved, but a place for the gathering of those who are already saved.
That doesn’t mean that unsaved people are welcome, but that the purpose of the church service is to be geared for the believers, not the unbelievers.
Evangelism should be done outside of the church, by believers. The church service is for the fellowship of the saints, the edification and teaching of believers, prayer, and the sacraments.
When one confuses these two concepts they come to the conclusion that you have, that we are to be “making people interested,” and thus, “puppet shows” seem appropriate.
A proper understanding of the Biblical purpose of what church is for eliminates the need to make unbelievers interested through such means.
Evangelism properly, and they will come with right motive, and these types of tactics aren’t necessary.
tr
I don’t have to watch this video, we know that this is a blasphemous act.
We go to church to Worship our Lord, it is a time for self reflexion and the moving of the Holy Spirit. It is a time for God to Minister to His people, He dosen’t need anything from us. The Lord Jesus would have drove these clowns out of the temple.
rap
Ugh… I’m speechless. (and yes, that is rare)
[...] long while back, a fad referred to as “The Clown Church” or various forms of it was the object of the internet firing squad—which is a tough place to [...]
You are so right Rick.
tr
Words rarely fail me, but they did on this one…
Here is a great article by Todd Friel on this:
http://www.christianworldviewnetwork.com/article.php/1979/Todd_Friel
tr
[...] but I will never forget it. If you haven’t seen the pictures or watched the video, click here [HT: Tim [...]
I never thought I would ever use the words Clown and Communion in the same sentence. I am going to be posting this on my blog with attribution. We are a PCA church that practices the Lord’s Supper every week, because of the power of the sacrament of a means of Grace. This clown thing is so sad!
Goodness, this makes me want to cry. I know that the Lord loves us regardless of outward appearances, but can you imagine actually sitting down in His presence, for a true supper with Him, dressed like this? I can not comprehend the logic behind this, but I truly mourn for this church.
How would a family, not yet believers, visiting this church for the first time, react to this kind of mockery of the Church, the Bride of Christ? What kind of Bride would want to present herself like this??
Truly, truly sad. And thanks for the link to that article!
Very good point Brea. We must always consider how we appear to unbelievers. The clown quotes “fools for Christ” while doing this nonsense. That’s a strange hermeneutic, and not one I think would convey Paul’s original point.
tr
Gives a new perspective on Steve Perry’s lyrics from the 80’s song “Faithfully” huh?
Circus life
Under the big top world
We all need the clowns
To make us smile
Through space and time
Always another show
Wondering where I am
Lost without you
you call that free speech?
as in placing comments, is this a clap clap i luv you comments only site?
Moderating comments,who made you the God of the day, Allah?
Hemaworstje,
Your recent comment was the first I have deleted since the beginning of this blog, 3 years ago. Although free speech rights extend to you in your ability to post your own blog, it does not obligate me to keep your comments on mine.
You are welcome to comment on the topic at hand, in a tasteful manner, without the consequences of deletion, even if you disagree with me. I have never, and will never, delete a comment from someone who simply disagrees.
However, blasphemous comments and personal insults about people’s mother-in-law, whom you do not even know, will not be tolerated. It was for this reason, as well as the pornographic pictures on your site that I did not wish to link to, which resulted in my executing my free speech right to delete your post.
If you haven’t noticed, this is a Christian site, and regardless if you do not share the values of the author and most other readers of this blog, I have the right to censor your hateful speech and tasteless link.
Now that I have warned my readers to the content they can expect to see at your site, I will leave your latest comment, as well as any future comments that meet the above criteria.
Peacefully firm,
tr
I’m sorry but you’re all clowns in your own way, I don’t think you will ever see that because you take it all way too seriously. Who owns ‘religion’, ‘communion’ or ‘dogma’? Who among you is the arbitor of ‘blasphemy’? The Pope? Pat Robertson? Mother Teresa? Do something nice for someone (maybe a local clown) and let it go people…
Daniel,
Thanks for your comment. Although your first sentence is simply name-calling, your question of “Who owns religion” is worthy of an answer.
No one that you list, nor any other human being “owns religion” or “is the arbitor of ‘blasphemy’” as you ask. Neither myself, nor anyone else is making such a claim. You may not realize it, but the accusation is a straw-man argument because that is not the claim of Christians.
However, God has spoken and given a revelation to everyone, where He has determined what is “true religion” (John 4:24) and what ‘blasphemy’ is defined as (Exodus 20:7). Specifically, He has said that:
Those who proclaim this truth are not proclaiming it is true ‘because we say so,’ but rather, because God has said so. I know that you probably do not believe in the Bible or understand it as the revealed Word of God, but your belief does not make that “true for you.”
What you must realize is whether it is true or not. Simply saying, “I don’t believe in God or Bible” does not remove your responsibility to its teachings, if it is indeed true. Just as a guilty criminal might state to a judge, “I know I am guilty, but I don’t believe in the electric chair,” would not change his fate in the execution of his sentence.
On judgment day, if the Bible is indeed the Word of God, you, like all of us, will “give an answer to every idle word spoken.” (Matt 12:36)
Like the rest of us, you already know you are guilty of this commandment, as well as the others. The only question is, will you have someone to pay your fine on judgment day?
My stating that such is true, is not my opinion or me “owning religion,” no more than me standing on the curb warning you of a truck coming means I am “owning trucks.” No, I am just proclaiming to you what will happen if you walk out in front of the truck. Likewise, I am warning you of what will happen on judgment day if you stand before the Creator as a blasphemer without a propitiation for your sins.
tr
If there is anyone who would this sort of thing, it would be God. Why do so many of you portray God as such a stuffy tyrant. Peace, love and tolerance.
R
Rick,
Reverence for God does not equate to “stuffy tyrant.” God portrays Himself quite well in His Word, and reverence is worship for a just and holy God. It is a low view of God that thinks man’s view of entertainment and God’s view of reverence can be equated.
tr
Clown’s Prayer
As I tumble through this life,
help me to create more laughter than tears,
dispense more cheer than gloom,
spread more joy than despair.
Never let me become so indifferent,
that I will fail to see awe in the eyes of a child,
or the wise twinkle in the eyes of the aged
Never let me forget that I have the gift to uplift others,
make them happy, and forget momentarily,
the unpleasantness in their lives.
And in my final moment,
may I hear You whisper:
“When you made my people smile,
you made me smile.”
Clowning has been around for a long time, as this 1980 article from TIME magazine will show:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,922136-2,00.html
Having been a member of a clown ministry myself, I can tell you that our services, and others I have seen are very reverent, respectful as we celebrate (yes – celebrate!) the Good News of the Word. Communion is a somber and meaningful experience, often bringing many to tears (and not out of anger or resentment as some of you might expect). When the members of the congregation applaud, they are saying “Amen” with us as we bow before the Cross.
Clowning is not for everyone, and there is a thin line between respectful and over-board, something that clown ministries must remember at all times. I did not watch this video all the way through, so I will not comment on what this particular group has done, but I encourage you to explore clowning a little more before you pass judgment. Some of you may find that you do find it inappropriate, and that is your opinon, but some of you may find it meaningful and moving.
I recently saw this on a fellow blogger’s site (I don’t know him so I hesitate to share his link, but I believe it is from this book: William C. Martin – The Art of Pastoring: Contemplative Reflections):
A church wisely centered in the Word
produces great contentment for the people.
The activities of the church keep them
just busy enough to gain satisfaction,
but do not detract from their loved ones.
They enjoy their pastor
because they do not expect him to be
other than what he is.
Their spirits are nurtured gently
by quiet and solitude and room to be.
They care for one another
without needing certain responses in return.
They share food and song,
sorrow and joy,
and become more and more free from fear.
And when they die they think,
“It was good, is good and will be good.”
I believe that clowning has a good fit for this statement. Others may not. We have had people walk out. That is their choice.
I will admit that I just stumbled upon this post when google-ing something else, so I know nothing about the nature of this site regarding denomination, etc., so I am not going to pass judgement upon your statements above because everyone’s opinons are based upon their own background and experiences. I’m just sharing a little background from a former clown.
This has turned into a blog post of my own! Which is probably what will happen, so if anyone is interested, the link is there. Anyway, I’m not sure if these ramblings are at all important, but I felt a personal need to share.
God Bless.
-tixie
Tixie,
The article was originally about the disrespect of the communion service, not clown ministry in general. The criticisms of a para church organization that evangelizes with clowns would be far different than those here talking about what has happened with this communion service.
tr
This is a true abomination unto the Lord. He set out his standards for worship in his word, and I have NEVER seen anything that would condone such disrespectful action. I am a pastor who has been a Christian for 38 years and it sickened me to watch such a disgrace to my Lord and Savior be committed. I can’t help but wonder if they know the consequences for theiractions. And the Scripture 1 Cor 1:18 (”fools for Christ”) comes to mind. although my Lord is plentiful in grace and love, Disrespecting the body and blood of Jesus will not bode well for those who participate. May God have mercy on their souls.
Thanks for your testimony Michael. I agree brother.
tr
Think of the person you love most deeply in this world. Suppose they were mocked, tortured and murdered. Would you want the memorial to be preformed by clowns?
Unfortunately this was not the best portrayl of the clown communion skit! I do believe though that by using different ways to show the importance of communion as with the clown communion you are able to reach more people. There is a clown skit that shows how the the bread was a baby and then how that Baby went to the cross for us and His blood was poured out for our sins. It touched me as a teen and still to this day I love clown ministries within the church especially in the sense of a communion, but in the version I do the preacher is still the preacher that leads the communion we just portray the events leading to the actual communion!
Communion’s importance doesn’t need the desires of the World to be revealed. The Word of God does this quite nicely. If the Word of God doesn’t’ draw them and clowns do, there is more problems at hand that floppy feed and red noses. Specifically, their understanding of the gospel.
This is what happens when the sufficiency of Scripture is minimized.
tr