Sex In The Pulpit

Is it just me or are we all of a sudden seeing an inordinate number of churches preaching “sex” series all at the same time?  This seems to be more predominate in the newer churches, at least from what I can see on the blogosphere.  Usually, the series lasts between four and six weeks, has a companion website, and as soon as word gets out, a TV station runs a piece on the church which makes it onto the church website within days of airing complete with the cameo of the pastor saying the same thing to the camera…”Well, these are the things people have questions about and we’re not afraid to tackle the tough issues…” or some variation thereof.  Of course, there’s always a few interviewees smiling and saying “Yes, this isn’t like church of yesteryear”…

Mind you, I’m not criticizing the idea so much as I am making an observation so please don’t try to label me as one type of Christian or another.  From what I can gather, it seems this trend started when Granger Community Church presented it’s “Pure Sex” series at this time last year.  All of a sudden, a whole group of people were influenced to do the same thing…I’ve even seen many churches ripping off the graphic of two pair of feet under the sheets…Not the exact same picture mind you, but a clone of it nonetheless.  Prior to this series, I hardly remember reading anything about such a trend in message series.  It seems many are pushing the edges of what they need to do to reach out during these series’ also.  Incorporating secular music with sexually suggestive lingo into the worship to “connect” and make a point. Hmmmmm okay…I’m not one to point a finger if it’s having an impact.  I’ve even considered a similar series myself but in my prayer time, I’m challenged to look for the deeper reasons that people suffer in this area.

People crave relationship.  That’s why sexual sin is so rampant in our society today.  Lust is predominant but it was the same in Jesus’ day.  Nothing has changed.  The bible has plenty to say on the subject within the whole context of relationship.  Statistics show that women engage in sexual activity as part of the entire emotional connection that they crave while men are predominantly driven by images and visual stimulation.  For them, sex is important too but it’s more raw in its desire than what a woman experiences.  That’s why so many girls get hurt by boys who are looking for the next conquest while they are trying to hang on to a relationship.  We see this played out every day in our churches.  I have families and I know you do to who are broken with single moms (or dads) trying to raise kids because we didn’t address the issue of relationship within the context of sex.  I know many of these types of series’ I’m talking about address such issues but I think the shock value is more appealing than what many leaders would let on.  Being on the “cutting edge” looking like the rebel in a sea of dry-rot religion is enticing.  Much of what is contained in these series’ could be integrated into a message series on relationships and a much more panoramic view that can be ‘edgy’ without overdoing it.  My friend Jason in Arizona is doing such a series.  Believe me, there’s plenty he’s saying about the issue of sex but he’s also incorporating conflict, dating, the differences between men and women, romance, and money.  I’m impressed with his presentation.  I listened to the first message in the series while I walked at my local park a few days ago.  I usually do a series on relationship beginning on Mother’s Day and ending on Father’s day each year.  I try to incorporate all sides in this starting with the husband/wife relationship, kids, money, sex, and even seniors since so many families are now caring for an elderly loved one.  It works and our families almost expect it at that time of year.

Again, don’t get me wrong.  I’m not being critical.  I just think the shock value of such a series is gone now.  Many churches around me have already done this.  If I see one more news piece about such series’ I think I’ll puke because it’s the same story.  I’d much rather hear the larger picture story about how the church is impacting it’s little world right where it’s at.  Are lives being changed?  Marriages restored?  Kids being loved like they should?  Social justice being done?  I loved what Erwin McManus said at the recent Humana 2.0 conference in Florida last month: “A church can be successful and have no effect in the world.â€?  I pray that’s not the end result for all of us.