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Post by joem on Dec 3, 2007 8:52:43 GMT -5
I have for some time now, always avoided media attention. With the exception of preaching a televised service at a church, I have generally stayed clear of the media as far as doing interviews. Presently there is a buzz about my preaching last Thursday and I may have the opportunity to do an interview with the local paper. I don't want to have a spotlight ministry seeking media attention, but this may be a good way to get the message out and to let folks know where I come from, to tell them about my home church. My question is, should I embrace this opportunity or avoid it?
Grace and Peace, Joe
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Post by Kerrigan on Dec 3, 2007 10:27:18 GMT -5
You seem to have the right motivations brother, so I don't see why you shouldn't go through with it. It can only be used for good...as long as they aren't going to chop up your interview to make you look like something you are not.
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Post by messengermicah on Dec 4, 2007 13:12:58 GMT -5
I wouldn't tell them about your home church.
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greg
Junior Member
Posts: 58
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Post by greg on Dec 4, 2007 14:23:12 GMT -5
I don't know what kind of relationship you have with your leadership at your home church but be careful.
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Post by Josh Parsley on Dec 4, 2007 14:38:44 GMT -5
If I were you, I would probably do it. I wouldn't talk about your church unless they specifically ask though.
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Post by joem on Dec 4, 2007 14:57:32 GMT -5
I don't know what kind of relationship you have with your leadership at your home church but be careful. I am the outreach director and part of the scholars council. This is something we are meeting about tonight. If I am preaching the truth, our congregation should not be afraid to be directly associated with my open-air preaching. If I preach error, I should be held accountable by our congregation. I know that there is a tendency for most OA preachers to shy away from tying a particular congregation to their preaching, but I don't know if that is biblical. Accountability is a good thing, unless you have something to hide. If my pastor, associate pastor and the elders decide to openly endorse my OA ministry in a more forthcoming manner, it will certainly cause me to be a better OA preacher. I think every congregation should support and endorse it's own missionaries, so why should OA preachers be excluded? If our preaching is a good representation of Jesus, it should also be a good representation of our home congregation. I would welcome the examination of my preaching and feel it would be an edifying experience. Just as OAO, OSA, GNN and others endorse OA preachers, local congregations should train and send young men out into the streets to preach the gospel as well, and hold them accountable as brethren. Some of the issues discussed here lately have dealt with the qualifications of some to preach on the streets. Direct involvement in a local congregation could solve many of those problems. Grace and Peace, Joe
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Post by joem on Dec 4, 2007 15:01:29 GMT -5
If I were you, I would probably do it. I wouldn't talk about your church unless they specifically ask though. Josh, I am often asked specifically about my church, and usually answer them in such a manner; "I attend Shepherds Chapel, but I am here as a member of the Body of Christ, not representing any particular congregation." While this is true, many people in our congregation do play a great role in my ministry. I began to question why we are so hesitant to be tied to a local congregation. Grace and Peace, Joe
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Post by Josh Parsley on Dec 4, 2007 15:16:38 GMT -5
If I were you, I would probably do it. I wouldn't talk about your church unless they specifically ask though. Josh, I am often asked specifically about my church, and usually answer them in such a manner; "I attend Shepherds Chapel, but I am here as a member of the Body of Christ, not representing any particular congregation." While this is true, many people in our congregation do play a great role in my ministry. I began to question why we are so hesitant to be tied to a local congregation. Grace and Peace, Joe That is how I answer the question also. One reason I am hesitant to mention the fellowship I am a part of, unless asked, is because so many people already go to church and have conceptions about it. They always ask "well, what denomination?" It's almost as if they want to just put you in a group and write you off. Oh... and then there is the shotgun holes in our church sign... Although I don't think that who ever did that did it because of me telling about our fellowship on the street. I agree with what you are saying; I think it's important to be part of a local congregation.
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Post by joem on Dec 4, 2007 15:34:42 GMT -5
Josh, I am often asked specifically about my church, and usually answer them in such a manner; "I attend Shepherds Chapel, but I am here as a member of the Body of Christ, not representing any particular congregation." While this is true, many people in our congregation do play a great role in my ministry. I began to question why we are so hesitant to be tied to a local congregation. Grace and Peace, Joe That is how I answer the question also. One reason I am hesitant to mention the fellowship I am a part of, unless asked, is because so many people already go to church and have conceptions about it. They always ask "well, what denomination?" It's almost as if they want to just put you in a group and write you off. Oh... and then there is the shotgun holes in our church sign... Although I don't think that who ever did that did it because of me telling about our fellowship on the street. I agree with what you are saying; I think it's important to be part of a local congregation. To my shame, in the past I did not want to mention my home church because of the rampant sin that could be found there. Three years ago I joined a congregation truly seeking after the heart of God, and I guess I want to see other believers experience this also. How to do this without inviting non-believers to church or targeting members of other congregations is what I am trying to nail down. It is a fine line to walk, and I have yet to see anyone do it really well. Mentioning my home church publicly when asked is one of the only ways I can think of to let people know where I come from, and invite them to join us if they are looking for a congregation of believers to worship, labor and study with. Grace and Peace, Joe
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Post by joem on Dec 5, 2007 9:10:37 GMT -5
I am passing on this opportunity as I have yet to be convinced how this should work. I may write in to the paper and just respond with a letter to the editor, but no interview for now.
Grace and Peace, Joe
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Post by John McGlone on Mar 14, 2008 6:21:20 GMT -5
That seems like wisdom Joe. Unfortunately, the media will chop, filter, and give you the appearance that would be un-Christ like many times. I think the editorial is a great idea, and mentioning your sanctified fellowship is good also. Most times, when asked about what denomination or church I attend, I find the motives are to report you to leadership, or write you off as a cult. When I believe the person is sincere in thier questions I will explain of our fellowship. The understanding that we do desire to disciple and train them if/or when they come to converstion.
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