Sports have been my favorite pastime since little league "days. Consequently, physical education seemed the obvious choice for my college degree. If an activity involves a racket or paddle or hoop or ball, I'm interested. If the church decided to build a gym, instinct in me would yell, "Yes"!

    Each individual, according to his interests or needs, could enumerate projects for the church to support. Some might choose to focus on music or art, while others are drawn to athletics. Working mothers would find it beneficial to have a day care, or the elderly a retirement village. The list could go on and on and it does for the denominational world and even some brethren. The majority of churches have some form of appeal to the domestic pressures or the recreational desires of the public.

    How do we respond when asked what we have to offer? The answer to this question has been a personal journey for me. I grew up in a household that would have encouraged this line of thinking. During my years at David Lipscomb College, I played on a "church sponsored" baseball team. But my wife encouraged me to study, and further guidance helped to reveal the true focus of the New Testament church. Personal interests pale in comparison to the real mission of the church. Finally, and most important, what do the scriptures teach?

    Ecclesiastes 2:1-3 talks about meaningless pleasures. I Timothy 4:7-8 speaks of exercising toward godliness. What is our aim or our higher ambition? Should we be sidetracked by "meaningless pleasures"? Of course, according to the latter reference, bodily exercise profits a little, but what is profitable for all things? -Godliness. Any convenience- facility or social benefit that could be supplied out of the Lord's treasury falls short of the overwhelming need to spread the Gospel and bring lost souls out of darkness (Acts 26:18). Paul said he was "not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation" (Romans 1: 16). Sometimes folks find so many diversions that one wonders if they aren't ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. It certainly isn't their primary outreach. What really changes lives is the Word, not a ball game.

    If our goal is to save souls, do we need an angle or a drawing card? Human reasoning would lean toward social gatherings as a lure. The popular saying "life is a beach" is a good example of how the world looks at religion. Make going to worship like a party and more will come. But do people become truly convicted using this approach? After World War 11, some institutionally minded churches decided to adopt different war torn countries and attempt to help them. As long as the food and gifts kept coming, people responded, but when the bounty stopped, the churches they established dwindled significantly in membership. Last year an aunt in Texas recounted how the elders in her congregation were interested in building a gym to appeal to the youth of the area. They made an extensive poll of other congregations, including various denominations to see if having a gym had worked as an outreach tool. They were unanimously advised against it.

    Jesus said, "Verily, verily I say unto you, you seek me not because you saw the miracles, but because you did eat loaves; and were filled” John 6:26). Jesus says "I am  the bread of life (John 6:35). New Testament examples point to letting the Word of God reach honest hearts (Luke 8:15). It is against the will of the Lord that we compete with the wide variety of programs that others offer. In the final analysis, it is service to God that lasts. Money spent on entertainment may last a few hours. Money spent on feeding someone may last five hours. Money spent in the service of God and preaching the Gospel lasts for eternity.

    So what are we to do? We can't join the popular trend to socialize the Gospel. The Word of God is a discerner of the hearts (Hebrews 4:12). God knows the intention of individuals who seek a worldly version of religion. Our appeal is to persons who have the discerning heart to see the simple truth of God's Word.

    We cannot apologize when asked what we have to offer. Let a contact know not to expect to be entertained. Let them know that our worship is simple and devout and governed by the Bible alone. "Whatsoever you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Colossians 3:17).

    Not all the world will come to Christ, but it is our responsibility to bring Christ to all the world. The life of Christ, God's mercy and grace, and the Word are what we have to offer the good and honest heart.