in search of a sinner...church growth

Some years ago I had a very good friend, the screen writer..William Allen Bairn..his one great work never reached the screen before he died. In it , the prosperity of some churches and the total lack in others is addressed..it seems the ones with the lack are without a significant sinner and the ability within the church to promote him..her..or them. However the truly prosperous...growing..popular..well known..and attended to overflowing..are in possesion of some truly great..highly promotable..SINNERS...and they are off to the races...they are shameless in the promotion of their church and the high profile now former(we hope), sinners that are there to be seen heard and followed..The small average church is just plodding along..just an affordable preacher..small volunteer choir..300 members..all trying to make ends meet and searching for the only thing one should be attending church for..the answer to eternal life..the meaning of grace..and..alas..no real down and dirty sinner. Well look at the christian networks and their shows today and see the thing you are missing...HIGH PROFILE SINNERS...drunks..hookers..drug dealers..thieves..adulterers..former murderers..all there for you to see now in their new life. Looking good..well dressed..dripping with jewelry..well coiffed..and ordained to preach..not bad for an example of God's wonderful grace..however certainly not the norm for the everyday church in America today..which struggles with the constant competetion from the TV SALVATION SHOW...take your pick...So when you are in the next board meeting..trustee...elder...deacon..meeting..hovering over the question of how to grow...excite..move up..look no farther..search for a sinner..when you find one lead him to the Lord then promote the dickens out of him or her...and just watch....Oh by the way...in case you don't already know..you are already doing this with your faithfulness to the preaching of the word and the work of the holy spirit...which by the way...does not need your help...seems we need.HIS...see you next time here on ...the deacon says...