Sometimes The Word isn't enough

Sometimes churches need a little help from a guest speaker or singer to get their message across.

Here's a story in the Bee today about how local churches are using musicians, actors and other celebrities to pack the pews.  A church in Rocklin defends the appearance of Natalie Grant, a gospel music recording artist, performing or, uh, "leading the music" this way:

"We truly believe that through Natalie's worship music and Pastor Greg's message that those who walk out of Sunset will feel a deeper more personal relationship with Jesus Christ," said Rodney Miller, church public information officer in an e-mail.

Another pastor defends the decision this way:

"Having a special guest gives members a good opportunity to invite family and friends to see the church," said Senior Pastor Rick Cole of Capital Christian Center. "Especially, one with a well-known story."

Sorry, but I'll just stick with the foolishness of the preached Word. 

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.  I Cor. 1:21-25