At our house we enjoy various forms of relaxing activities. We play games, listen to CD’s, watch videos, take in some sports on TV, go to ball games, visit amusement parks, entertain guests, and participate in other activities that would fit into the category of entertainment, recreation, or pleasure. We realize, of course, that all of these affairs must be of such a nature that they would not in any way involve us in ungodliness or the fulfilling of fleshly lusts (Titus 2:12).

Yes, as a husband and father I am always searching for wholesome activities that our family can do just "for fun." However, as a Christian I would never consider turning to the church and appealing to it to help supply me with what I and my family want in the realm of recreation, entertainment, or pleasure. Why not? Because the work of the church involves evangelism, edification, and benevolence, but nowhere in the Bible do we read that the church is authorized to provide recreation, entertainment, or pleasure for its members or other people.

In case you have not noticed, you need to know that today in more and more places the church is becoming involved in just those very things. Lots of folks want to be entertained, and they want the church to provide for them and their families a "fun" atmosphere. Sadly, more than a few preachers and elders are giving heed to such worldly cries. As a result, in an effort to attract big numbers or at least keep the worldly-minded members content, in many places entertainment, recreation, fun and pleasure are "in," while book, chapter, and verse preaching coupled with rebuking of those involved in sin and unauthorized activities are "out."

Just what is it that the church needs in our day? Answer: the same thing it needed in the first century – the word of the living God, which is able to build us up and give us an inheritance among all them that are sanctified (Acts 20:32). Yes, just as the saints of nearly 2000 years ago, our great need is still to abide in the doctrine of Jesus the Christ (2 John 9). With that in mind, let us look at some questions that cause us personally to be extremely concerned about the present trends in so many congregations.

1. All members of the church who love the souls of men are always concerned about what we can do to "get more people." Do we need to try and draw folks with entertainment and appeals to worldly pleasures, or with something else? God’s vote is for "something else." The Lord Jesus said, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me" (John 6:44,45). The only way to come to Jesus is by being drawn by His Father. But how does the Father draw men to His Son? Jesus said He does it when men are taught of God, hearing and learning His word.

We have heard of a great variety of schemes that have been used to attract people. Such things as bringing in singing groups or comedy teams, hiding money under a lucky seat, the preacher pushing a banana across the stage with his nose, and numerous other activities have been employed to either bring new folks in or keep our own folks happy.

Friends, the power of God unto salvation is the gospel of the Christ (Romans 1:16). God calls men out of darkness and into His marvelous light, kingdom, and glory (1 Peter 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:12). The means by which He does this is through the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14), not via entertainment or gimmicks.

2. In the pulpit do we need an entertainer-preacher, or a preacher-preacher? An "entertainer-preacher" is one who tries to keep folks happy and entertained with his fun and jokes approach. A "preacher-preacher" is one who preaches God’s word and lets the chips fall where they may. What saith the Lord? "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Timothy 4:2). A preacher who does this is fulfilling "the work of an evangelist" (2 Timothy 4:5). The charge to all preachers is, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee" (1 Timothy 4:16). One can search high and low in the New Testament, but he will never find the concept of a preacher being an entertainer!

3. In worship do we need singing for the purpose of entertaining, or for the purpose of praising God? Solos, quartettes, and choirs are becoming more and more popular in the church. Be that as it may, there is absolutely no authority for them in the Bible. Call us "old-fashioned" or label us as having "traditional worship" if you must, but where there is no Bible authority for an action, we are just not interested in doing it (1 Peter 4:11).

Good people, our singing in our assemblies is not done for man’s pleasure, but for the praise of the Lord God! We must never forget this. We are instructed to sing "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). These terms are defined by Thayer and Vine in this manner: "psalm" – a pious song," "a sacred song"; "hymn" – "a sacred song," "song of praise to God," "song of praise addressed to God"; "spiritual song" – " a song in praise of God or Christ." And what about "making melody" in Ephesians 5:19? It means "to celebrate the praises of God in song," "to sing praises." Again, we are to sing in order to praise our Lord, not to please or entertain men. In view of this, at Union Grove we do not need or seek for groups or college choirs to come entertain us by singing spiritual songs.

4. Does the church need drama, or the doctrine of God? We know that drama teams are popular among a lot of brethren. For our part, we view drama as a sort of spectacle that is provided for people’s pleasure or entertainment. We know that a constant message of "sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1) and "thus saith the Lord" is not nearly as appealing to many people as costumes, make-up, and puppets. However, the unchanging truth is: "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God … it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (1 Corinthians 1:18,21). Our task is not to perform and make people smile or praise our neat skits. Rather, we are to preach the gospel (Mark 16:15). That, and that alone, is what can save those who have an honest and good heart (Luke 8:15).

5. Do we need church-sponsored entertainment and fun, or family-sponsored entertainment? Wholesome entertainment, recreation, fun and activities that provide pleasure are not off limits for children of God. However, these ought to be provided and financed by moms and dads, family members, or other individuals. They are simply not the work of the church.

It seems that some "ministers" are hired to entertain the church’s young people. They are supposed to organize wiener roasts, trips, and all kinds of fun stuff to keep the young folks happy and off the streets. It is certainly a wonderful thing to conscientiously work with young people to teach and train them in spiritual affairs so they can mature in Christ (2 Peter 3:18). We need more of this. We fear, however, that in some cases the spiritual development takes a back seat to fun stuff.

Some families move their membership to a congregation that has "more activities for the young people." Again, activities might be spiritual in nature, or they might be just those that are for pleasure or having a good time. It is great when young Christians enjoy one another’s association. However, trips to amusement parks, camping trips, or going intertubing are activities that ought to be organized and financed by the home, and not by the church. If parents want more fun activities for the young people, then THEY need to get busy and work with other parents to arrange them. They can do that right in the congregation where they are, and do not need to run off to one where they are hoping that the church will arrange the fun things in their stead.

Entertainment and pleasure in the church? God forbid. No, I don’t anticipate that my remarks in this article will help me win any "Mr. Popular" awards in Tennessee or any other place. But we strive to please God, not be popular among men (Galatians 1:10). Our hope is to receive an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fades not away (1 Peter 1:4), not to receive the praises of men in this life.

-- Roger D. Campbell