LCBC: Presenting Mission through Multi-Media Online
1. Summary and description of general video:
The church's general video began with an overhead shot of people walking into the church. They then showed clips of people coming together and stated that "there is value in community, in relationships, in a place to belong." They showed clips of musicians on stage, people giving sermons, a group of little kids. The video ended with "everyone is welcomed here and we're so excited to meet you," this was followed by more clips of people coming together: people of different ages, and races. At the end of the video they provided a link for people to find a location near them.
Summary and description of sermon:
The sermon from November 4th 2018 begins with a song. The lead singer asks the crowd to stand up and join them in song. The lyrics to the song are on the screen for people watching at home to sing along. The singers and musicians are dressed casually; the female singers wear ripped jeans. Songs played for about 20 minutes before the director of “Next Steps” came to the stage and welcomed everyone and gave instructions for new members; he even said hi to those streaming the sermon from home. He then asked everyone to fill out the "About" section so they can know who is at the church, physically and virtually (on the app). The director then introduced the series of the sermons “A Better Way”, and explained why offerings are important: “by bringing part of our income and tithing to Him, he’ll take care of the rest of it.” The director then spoke on the power of going from brokenness to being together.
After the director left the stage, the senior pastor came on and spoke on the rhetoric of hate that is dividing the country right now; he said that “there has got to be a better way to go about life.” He focused on the influence and power of media, and how we attack and demonize those who are different from us to the point where we “become uncivil in our responses and actions.” The last few minutes he spoke on how “love wins, love makes a difference” and that “Jesus says there’s a better way,” which is the title of the series: A Better Way. He challenged viewers to “allow God’s spirit to lead you to do what comes not naturally but what is very unnatural to you and begin to experience a better way of life.” He then prayed and repeated the same message that I have previously captured in his prayer. In addition to this sermon being a video, it also has an audio clip of the sermon underneath it.
The main message in the videos:
Based on the quotes I included in the summary of the general video I would argue the purpose of the video is to encourage others to join the LCBC church because they are a welcoming group people who do not discriminate and are eager for more community members: "everyone is welcomed here and we're so excited to meet you." The sermon I watched further illustrated this point in its insistence that hate has no place in this community: “love wins, love makes a difference." The sermon advocated for the importance of love, especially towards those that are unlike ourselves, this fact is illustrated in the quotes I included in the summary. To broadcast these messages of love and acceptance, the group uses a variety of videos that they post on their website, they also provide articles, stories/testimonials (which are in video form), studies (a mixture of videos and text to help facilitate discussions), bible reading, and a news section.
2. Based on the materials and information shared in these videos this Church exists for the following reason/s…
a) provide people a safe, loving community to worship Christ: "there is value in community, in relationships, in a place to belong."
b) to help people how best to live their earthly lives as followers of Jesus: “allow God’s spirit to lead you to do what comes not naturally but what is very unnatural to you and begin to experience a better way of life.”
This post is a great improvement in the level of reflection offers and in providing specific details of what you heard and saw that help you back up your claim. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDelete