Do we really have to bribe people to get in church? This pastor does

November 5, 12:27 AMReligion in the News ExaminerShawn Paul Wood

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What's in the box? I'm thinking some sacrilege with a side order of heresy.
Courtesy: Zbigniew Bzdak, Chicago Tribune

It's a dank world out there these days. The economy blows. Unemployment rates are rising high. And hope is prized commodity.

People need hope. Desperately.

They are looking everywhere they can for it - temp agencies, recruiters, 'get rich quick' schemes and even under their pillow. Does 'hope' sound like Algonquin code for 'cash'? It should.

So, where would you look for money? If you're in Alsip, Illinois, you look in church. At least that's what this dude wants you to do.

Meet the faux-hawked, cufflink laden Pastor Dan Willis of the Chicago suburb's Lighthouse Church.

Apparently, faith isn't enough for Pastor Willis, as the Chicago Tribune reports. He has gone the way of Monte Hall and Wink Martindale when it comes to church attendance. He's holding a cash giveaway!

At each of the three Sunday services, the Rev. Dan Willis pulls a number of one seat from a bag and the worshiper in that seat wins a cash prize. Two of the churchgoers win $250 and the third gets $500. The church gives away $1,000 each Sunday, Willis said.

Pat, I'd like to buy a clue. Please?

On a church Web site that spouts itself as the "largest racially diverse church in Chicago," Willis has to subject his congregation to "coooooooooooome on doooooooooooown" to the service and see just how "blessed and highly favored" they can really be?!

Willis concedes the cash prize is a gimmick to fill the pews. But he's unapologetic about the plan, because it's working. On a typical Sunday, his church draws about 1,600 people to its three Sunday services. But since the money giveaway started, about five weeks ago, the congregation has grown to about 2,500 each week, he said. The money for the giveaway comes from the church offering. Lighthouse is a non-denominational church.

Seriously?! Here's another news flash - people need air to breathe. Oh, the Pope is Catholic. And um, Bobby Brown really did a skosh of crack.

In this economy, if Dick Cheney said he was giving away cash for votes, folk would run to the polls in droves.

You really think Jesus had to bribe anyone for the Gospel?

I get his heart. Read Pastor Willis' blog. The man could scream down Congress with all the exclamation points he throws out. (Really dude, mix in a comma... and possibly a period).

He's excited about what Jesus is doing. So why can't that be enough? Why does Jesus have to be a blackjack dealer who will turn one poor louse's life from warped poo poo into shouting in tongues with the flip of a card?

Lasting relationships are not made with Biff and Trixie, your neighbors in the pews, but with God. And chicanerie like guessing who is the only person in the Bible with a vicious case of halitosis for $500, Alex (it's that malcontent Job for those scoring at home) is not going to bring people to the cross but an ATM machine.

'Golly-gee-whiz' Jesus is not the guy who died for our sins. And an 'Aw, Shucks' gospel message is not what is going to keep us dry in the midst of a personal storm. We need a real experience with God to keep us from taking detours in our faith and the first cash box hurled in our direction.

Question: If you are trying to lure the "unchurched," then why continue to keep them unchurched once they get to your place?

"Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin ... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:20,23 NIV)

Give away whatever ransom you have behind Door #1 Pastor Willis, you know better than I do, if you aren't providing the truth of Christ, the power of God and the liberty of the Holy Spirit inside that special briefcase, it's empty no matter the amount of cash they hold in their hand.

Lastly, consider this, why would the reporter mention to the audience "luck" and "gimmick"? Because that's how Jesus is represented through this story.

It's a catchy idea, brother. And people will love getting that cheddar, but after a few days and that cheese is still sitting in their wallets and nothing is inside their souls, it just stinks.

As always, keep in touch with Religion in the News examinations by subscribing and have it delivered to your inbox or follow me on Twitter. Peace.