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"The Super Bowl and Church are Teammates"
This Sunday is the Super Bowl. No, I’m not referring to Christmas and Easter, though many of you have heard me compare “High Holy Days” on the Church calendar to the biggest cultural events, especially the Super Bowl and World Series.
I often use this comparison because I think most people recognize the importance of the Super Bowl. It generates lots of excitement for sports fans, especially those fans who have an intimate connection to the competing teams. Sure, some people just watch the Super Bowl for the halftime show. Others are planning to watch the “Puppy Bowl” while some of us are simply watching to catch a first glimpse of the newest product commercials. Since few of us ever have the opportunity to see the game in person, the networks draw us into their world, providing us with a front-row seat to first-rate entertainment.
Like Christmas and Easter, the Super Bowl (and World Series) arrives once per year. We’ve encountered the events enough to be familiar with the excitement of a good game or the letdown of a blowout. Most of us recognize that it’s just a game, but deep down, we know that we better keep an eye on ESPN. After all, this is what most of the public will be discussing during the next few days. Even amid tragedy and disaster which many of us have encountered in the last few months, the game can provide a little distraction from the realities of this life. We need it.
When I compare the Super Bowl to Christmas and Easter on the Church calendar, I’m often trying to draw a connection for folks to understand the intensity experienced by church staff, leaders, and volunteers. I’m also trying to point out the massive increase in attention, attendance, and viewership on High Holy Days, which is especially important for the folks who don’t attend any other game (worship service) in the year.
Yeah, the High Holy Days are very significant. Yeah, some of my colleagues are probably crying “heresy” because I’m glorifying a football game by mentioning it alongside Christmas and Easter. But really, how can I not make the comparison? Most of the world doesn’t attend church…at all. If I can use a culturally significant reference to help a non-churchgoer connect a dot, shouldn’t I do it? Just as our culture grabs onto the Church during the High Holy seasons, shouldn’t the Church also grab onto culture for the same reason?
Yeah, we need each other. The Church needs the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl needs the Church. They are not competitors. They are friends. They are teammates. When approached appropriately, the Church and the Super Bowl can help each other become better and stronger.
Now, for the real question: Will God watch the Super Bowl? If so, is God a Chiefs or Eagles fan? Both teams are praying for God’s blessings. Lots of churches will be represented on the field. Whose prayer will God answer when they are all God’s children? I’m glad that’s not my job.
See you this week for Church and a Pre-Game Super Bowl BBQ!
God Bless, Brock.
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