johnlaeger.com

Sex in Church - Just Weird

It's awkward enough to invite you to my church. Inviting you to my church when we do a special series on sex multiplies that awkwardness by about a million. I know you are interested (who ISN'T interested in sex?) But I also know that talking about sex in church, well...its just weird. Listening to Leno or Conan talk about sex is one thing. But a preacher? In church? That's just weird.

But I want you to come. It won't be weird or anything. It won't be condemning. It won't be old-fashioned. It won't be judgmental. In fact, it will be fun (yes...not only is my church very fun - but add talks about sex to that and I think it will be a blast!)

It will be real too. We don't avoid the tough issues. We talk about them. I don't know anything about your sex life, but I do know that sex creates tension in marriages and relationships, and its not supposed to. There is a way to have better sex. Even if you have a great sex life, I know you want it to be greater - right? (Who doesn't?)

We will be hearing about the differences between men & women, what turns men on, and what turns women on. We will be hearing what it takes to make sex fun and totally satisfying. And I know it probably sounds crazy, but it will all come from the Bible.

It's up to you if you want to agree or not. I'm not asking you to come and get all religious and "Jesus crazy". You won't be put on the spot. Just come and see. Just come and listen.

And since we meet in a movie theatre, you will like our stadium seating and cup holders. You will like the way we put everything up on the big movie screen so it is easy to follow along. And I know you will like our music which is by a live band.

If you don't think sex should be talked about in church - then you don't want to come. If you don't think there should be loud sub-woofers, lead guitars, kickin' drums in church - then you don't want to come. If you don't think church should be fun and real and relevant - then you don't want to come.

But something tells me you are at least curious.

So - I'm inviting you to come to my church for this series on sex. It starts Sunday, Feb. 7. You can check out a video we have on our web site at www.ChurchInAMovieTheatre.com.

We meet in the Marcus Theatres in the Shakopee Town Square. Every Sunday at 9:30 AM. I know. That's early on a Sunday morning, but it's worth it.

Oh...and don't worry about dressing up. Our dress code is "come dressed". And for a series on sex - that's probably a good rule to keep!

Pulling Back the Covers

We are just a few hours away from posting the video for our February series. This video's unlike any other we've done.  It's not silly or funny.  It probably won't make you smile and for sure won't make you laugh.  It's serious and reflects a serious issue few want to talk about.

In the production of this video - every step has gone through careful and I might say picky scrutiny and input by both those who go to church and those who don't.  What you will see is what others are saying identifies and pulls back the covers on an issue so real in spite of what you hear at the gym, read on Facebook, or hear Friday night at the club.

The teaching of this series will not be from popular opinion, talk show advice from Oprah or Dr. Phil, nor from some ancient code of conduct.  It will be from the Bible and you will hear how contemporary, how real, how clear, and how practical God is.

I know, many of you are skeptical and probably rolling your eyes at the thought of what the Bible says about sex.  You need to forget what you were told (or not told) and give this a chance.  You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

And yes, your friends ARE interested in this too.  They are just like you.  So invite them to come.

Launches Tomorrow

I'm fully aware the website and video launching tomorrow is going to draw unsettlement and criticism from some.  It's for a straight-talking series starting February 7th on sex and relationships.  Even the title of the series and website might be blocked by some email and web filters.  Some may even object to the content of this post (but you'll keep reading because even YOU are interested!)

Some will say, "Sex should not be talked about in church."  Those who say that are most likely:

1. Blind to reality, or...
2. Ignorant of how much the Bible does say - and how clear and explicit it is, or...
3. Have no clue (or don't want to admit) how "pro sex" God is, or...
4. Don't want to hear about it because they are abusing it.

Others will say, "It should be taught in the home."  Well, first, this isn't a series for your kids to learn about sex.  It's for adults.

Second, the truth is - it's not being taught at home.  It's being taught by Hollywood, the internet, peers at school, TV sitcom, Sex Ed at school, and the writing on stall walls.

Why this series and why this title and why this website and video?  Because I am tired of sex being viewed by some as dirty and by others as being no big deal.  It is NOT dirty and it IS a big deal.

I am tired of friends, both in and outside ministry, treating their spouses with disrespect - men treating their wives like they are just some warm body to have sex with.  I am tired of men and women blowing up their marriages, relationships, minds, and lives because they have been sucked into internet porn.

I am tired of the church just standing by and watching it all happen when the Bible is so so so clear on how awesome and great sex is.

This is not a series for kids.  It's for adults.  (So please don't get upset if you bring your 10 year old into the service and hear something to "adult" for his or her ears.)  We have an awesome kids' ministry where your kids will enjoy and get far more out of church than if they come into the adult service.

This will be one of the most upfront, clear, straight-forward, and biblical series on sex you have heard.  It will be a series on a subject EVERYONE is interested in (yes, even YOU) - but few want to talk about it - at least in church.

Here's my question.  Are you bold enough to face the reality of the need for this series and "share" this post with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, email list?  Are you willing to make a choice based on what's right & best, and not on what might offend a few who "think" they have no need for this kind of thing (but really they do)!  Will you "share" the website that comes out tomorrow?

So, with that said, watch your email tomorrow.  Watch Facebook.  Watch Twitter. Then plan on being at Meadow Spring starting Sunday, February 7th.  And bring a friend or two or three because they are interested too!