If Jesus Sent A Church Newsletter

by William G. Menter,

First, he would make it funny. Some of his stories were hilarious – especially those reported by John. People could see the irony of how they and others were living – laughed at themselves – and remembered the stories – hopefully even change lives.

Second, Jesus would discuss politics. He didn’t run away from sharp issues the way that we Americans say, “never talk about religion or politics.” He most certainly understood that those are the two most important subject in the world. When our nation taxes people who earn incomes under the poverty level – it’s like taking food away from a starving baby.

He would add pictures. He talked in pictures (parables) – no doubt he would publish with pictures in order to capture the reader’s attention.

He would follow the K.I.S.S. Rule – “Keep It Simple Son.” He would write so people could understand – not write so as to impress. Again, he taught with parables.

Jesus would eliminate the weather reports in his church newsletter. Watch church newsletters and you often will see the pastor’s opening article begins with: “Well, its May now and warm weather is going to follow.” “In October, we experience the first swirling winds of winter.” Most of us had that pretty well figured out a few years ago. There’s more to talk about with The Faith than the phase of the moon.

He would not report offerings or enter church budgets into the newsletter. Some have noticed that he was more interested in the widow’s mite than in the grand gifts of those who were wealthy. Besides, Jesus seemed to be more about relieving guilt, than building it.

I doubt Jesus would enter church council proceedings into the copy. As far as we know, Judas never gave a treasurer’s report. That was not of essence to the disciples activity. What he and his disciples did was feed the hungry and heal the sick. Along the way, hundreds discovered “love” in the middle of all those activities.

Without a doubt, Jesus would keep the newsletter short. In his case, a ream of paper was at a premium. Cairo Pacific had only recently opened production. It was necessary to use resources and energy in the most cost effective way. Jesus went where people gathered and chatted with them where they were. Sometimes, that was even in pagan temples. “Come unto me” means “join me in my attitude,” not “I’ll be sitting here until you get good and ready to drop by and listen to me.”

Jesus would talk human growth rather than church program. I endured a sermon this last Palm Sunday which proved little more than announcing worship schedule throughout Holy Week. Jesus would show us the heart of the Father – and the response of the Son. Jesus rode into Jerusalem not on a proud stallion as the Roman Centurions did. Jesus didn’t even ride into Jerusalem on a donkey – but on the colt of a donkey. There’s a lesson about living with humility somewhere in that story which could help us learn how to live with God and with each other.

Oh – and I doubt that Jesus would use staples to seal his newsletters. If the Father was concerned about even the smallest sparrow – Jesus would be concerned about broken fingernails from pulling the staples out.

from http://www.wams.org/pages/showcase/newsletr.htm