A spectator sport is one that people crowd in to get to see the game being played.  We have monuments built toward the teams that are doing it right. My favorite is “Deaf Valley” in Baton Rouge, La. When I was in elementary and middle school I spent many Saturday nights there, making some great memories.

Being around all the activities and great food, chanting “Tiger Bait! Tiger Bait!” at people wearing the opposing teams colors. Then the band takes the field, the drums and “DAAAH DAH DAAAH DAH!” (it is way better in my head)… there is really nothing quite like it anywhere in the world. This could probably be translated into your teams traditions, however it wouldn’t be as good…just sayin’.

Are we entertaining or inviting?

The church today has learned how to draw crowds. Great music, dynamic speaking and a coffee shop to rival Starbucks will just bring the masses. What will happen when your sister church offers better music, better speaking and a coffee shop to rival… well you get the picture. The spectators leave.

Often times people show up for the entertainment, but entertainment has a shelf life.  There is only so many times you can watch “Gilligan’s Island” and still laugh when Gilligan screws everything up.

We have to move away from being entertainment venues (the place you get dressed up and take your wife for the sunday morning show) and move toward being an inviting culture.

I’m not an expert on culture, but I did spend some time in “Deaf Valley” on Saturday nights as a kid.

Culture is created INTENTIONALLY >>

In Exodus 12 and following — God began a tradition that would shape the nation of Israel to this day. The New Year, Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread all marking this important moment in the history of Israel. It was and is an intentional time to remember where they came.

Do you just do what you do, or are you intentional with what you do to create culture?

Culture should be GOD-CENTERED >>

While it would be easy for us to copy the ways of the world and create tailgating before and maybe after the Services this would be missing the point. A pot luck for pot luck’s sake is just a pot luck.  A pot luck yearly on the anniversary of the church where you remember where you have been and look to the future of where God is taking you is God-Centered culture. Hopefully you can get way outside the box with the pot luck thing and create some meaningful god centered culture that doesn’t involve deviled eggs.. YUK!

Intentional, God-Centered Culture is INVITING >>

God intended the traditions of Israel to not only set them apart, but bring others in. The great mistake we can make within a church culture is being exclusive.

An inviting culture leads to outsiders becoming active participants.