Where do we stop at getting people into our churches? The release of the new Halo 3 video game has 
reignited the discussion. Last Sunday’s New York Times included a front page story entitled Thou Shalt Not Kill, Except in a Popular Video Game in Church about how “hundreds of ministers and pastors desperate to reach young congregants†are using the violent video game as a “recruiting technique.”
The latest iteration of the immensely popular space epic, Halo 3, was released nearly two weeks ago by Microsoft and has already passed $300 million in sales, while other games as CSGO, have even different sites where you can find a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive boosting guide to help you through the game.
Those buying it must be 17 years old, given it is rated M for mature audiences. But that has not prevented leaders at churches and youth centers across Protestant denominations, including evangelical churches that have cautioned against violent entertainment, from holding heavily attended Halo nights and stocking their centers with multiple game consoles so dozens of teenagers can flock around big-screen televisions and shoot it out.
Is this really a surprise? Churches are becoming adept at exploiting pop culture for evangelistic ends. Whether it’s free concerts, iPod giveaways or Super Bowl blowouts, we’ll do what it takes to get an audience. In this case, however, some think a line has been crossed.
“If you want to connect with young teenage boys and drag them into church, free alcohol and pornographic movies would do it,†said James Tonkowich, president of the Institute on
Religion and Democracy, a nonprofit group that assesses denominational policies. “My own take is you can do better than that.â€
Daniel R. Heimbach, a professor of Christian ethics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, believes that churches should reject Halo, in part because it associates thrill and arousal with killing.
“To justify whatever killing is involved by saying that it’s just pixels involved is an illusion,†he said.
No doubt Halo 3 has the necessary artillery, explosions, decapitations and dismemberments for today’s gamer. On these grounds alone some will dismiss it as inappropriate — much less an evangelistic tool. Nevertheless, there is an entire subculture of gaming youth who exist outside the reach of traditional church programs. Furthermore, we’d be mistaken to think that the average teenage boy isn’t already steeped in this stuff. So what’s wrong with building bridges to them?
One youth pastor reasoned this way: God calls ministers to be “fishers of men.†“Teens are our ‘fish,†he wrote. “So we’ve become creative in baiting our hooks.†Sure, this mentality has led to some pretty goofy efforts — like the Left Behind video game that forces characters to “convert or die.” On the other hand, there’s more thoughtful approaches, such as How to Witness Using Halo 2.
Decades ago the church debated using clowns and puppets to get kids to hear the Gospel. Did this trivialize the story or speak to their level? During the Jesus Movement, it was using rock music. Was this worldly or were we “becoming all things to all men.” Now its Halo tournaments. But has the argument really changed?
The following section of Scripture has always puzzled me and I tend to think it bears upon this discussion. The Apostle Paul wrote from a Philippian jail:
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. (Philippians 1:15-18 NIV)
It appears that Paul winks at these insincere ministers, doesn’t it? Yes, they’re selfish, envious, and contentious. But as long as the Gospel’s getting out there, hey, “what does it matter?” (vs. 17). He could have demanded they repent or resign. Nope. To him, the bottom line is not their methods or motivations, but whether or not “Christ is preached.”
When it comes to cultural outreach, discerning whether certain evangelistic methods are biblical, I often wonder if this attitude isn’t helpful, if not needed. Of course, this isn’t to condone excess and immorality (although preaching Christ “from false motives” is pushing the envelope). In our attempts to reach the world we still need to be wise and gentle and virtuous. But different “fish” require different “bait.” And as long as Christ is preached, shouldn’t we tolerate a broader net?
So go ahead, kid, vaporize that monster. Just make sure you stay for the altar call.
I can’t disagree with you more, Mike.
I was on the forefront of bringing rock music into worship. The difference is we didn’t play AC/DC. We just played worship music in rock style.
Anything, you allow in church is condoned by church. Content is everything–Style is negotiable.
A lot of people do crack, you might as well have crack parties. That bait would certainly get a lot of bites. What does it matter as long as we’re preaching Christ, right?
Sorry, Mike. I love your open-mindedness, but this time I think you’re off the reservation.
This kind of goes back to the arguments Christians have been having for years: is it a sin to dance in nightclubs? Is it a sin to watch R-rated movies? I think another appropriate Scripture would be Romans 14:13-21:
“13Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. 14As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food[b] is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. 15If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. 16Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. 17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.
19Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.”
I think there are some Christians for whom video games or R-rated movies are not a stumbling block. They have discerning minds and are able to filter out the garbage while seeing the story or the art–you can even use them to find parallels with the Gospel. I’ve heard sermons preached using bits from The Matrix or The Shawshank Redemption as examples of truths that are then expounded upon with Scripture. This can be effective at times.
But, like Paul says, it will cause others to stumble. I think the bottom line is that true ministry and discipleship takes place through relationships. The Halo tournament may pull the numbers in, but they will leave if no one takes the time to connect to each person in a real relationship. And I don’t think anything will ever change that.
One more thing:
I think to truly follow Paul’s example, it would be okay to go into the den of immorality as a missionary outreach. But, you don’t set up the den in church.
I know an arcade is not necessarity a den of immorality, but I’m speaking more to the model.
If you want to go to Hooters and explain to men that they shouldn’t bring their wives and children there and preach the gospel, that’s one thing.
But don’t let the girls in your congregation dress in skimpy outfits so they can “bait” those men into your church.
We Americans have become so pragmatic. We tend to look at the bottom line and say, Well, as long as it works…
When Paul said, Whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed … I don’t think there was anything else at issue except motive. He was pretty much saying, “why” another preaches isn’t for me to worry about.
The content? Definitely we need to concern ourselves with examining what is preached to see if it is false teaching or true.
The how? I’ve seen church programs run on fun and the kids flock to them. If “success” is measured by numbers of bodies in the gym on a Tuesday night, then those programs are successful. The interesting thing is, I’ve seen some churches who used to run the fun programs but have now supplanted that with a more small group, discipleship approach.
Guess which one seems to send more kids on youth mission trips?
Becky
I need some of those things every week to get me into church. Times are changing and church needs to keep up.
No really, that stuff is wild, churches operate like a business offering promotional items to win your sole. Have our churches forgotten about the history of God?
Becky-
The two don’t have to be mutually exclusive. If our youth leader has a Halo night for the kids and it draws a couple new ones, you bet it would be for naught if they aren’t discipled. But if it happens to draw a few in to a place where they will hear the truth (and they wouldn’t anywhere else), then it is worth it.
In general
I have been watching similar discussions over on the Breakpoint blog (The Point). The arguments are the same over there. I think the article is kind of setting up the extremes of the issue, and people are going off of that.
Halo has a fun multiplayer component. I don’t usually like the type of games where all you do is “shoot ’em up”, but it has an enjoyable game mode that does have appeal. Honestly, the multiplayer game is like an electronic form of paintballing. You get the other players, but it’s not like you’re wallowing in gore in doing it (sorry Mike, there’s no decapitations or dismemberments). The single player aspect is more personal, but that’s not the focus when the youth play (although I realize our playing the multiplayer does give endorsement for the single player).
As said elsewhere: as the church, we can do “better” than Halo to reach people. But it really is a neutral activity that can be used at times as a small part of what is done to reach out to youth. Mark had an excellent point with the Romans 14-15 passage – it may offend or stumble some people. I wouldn’t recommend it to the older congregation of Episcopalians down the road.
The liking it to offering drugs at church gets into the ridiculous. Yes there are limits. I would in no way suggest games like Grand Theft Auto be used for a similar purpose.
I think the discussion of this is good and can provide “iron sharpening iron”, as long as we don’t get all judgmental and sharp with each other.
Good stuff.
Jason, I would submit to you that Halo is not the issue here.
It’s this model of bait and switch outreach that is the problem. This is the equivalent of showing Saw III at your youth event because “that’s what the kids are in to” and then preaching to them. In my opinion, the ends don’t justify the means.
Jesus didn’t do bait and switch. He presented the truth and gave his audience a decision to make.
I certainly admire and understand the sentiment of those who are behind this type of program. But, I think it falls outside the parameters of a church function.
I don’t think the church should dangle populist carrots to lure people in when we have the greatest authentic carrot to dangle — The love of Christ.
Hey, thanks for the wonderful comments! I just got home from work and I’m diving in. . .
Dayle said: “A lot of people do crack, you might as well have crack parties. That bait would certainly get a lot of bites. What does it matter as long as we’re preaching Christ, right?” And this statement: “But don’t let the girls in your congregation dress in skimpy outfits so they can ‘bait’ those men into your church.”
You’re swinging to such an obvious extreme I think it may indicate a potential weakness in your argument. I said in my post the obvious: “Of course, this isn’t to condone excess and immorality. . . In our attempts to reach the world we still need to be wise and gentle and virtuous.” Having a “crack fest” would definitely violate a few biblical commands, as would having girls “dress in skimpy outfits” as “bait.” Your examples are so obviously exaggerated I think you’re doing me a disservice.
Many of your points are issued under the assumption that Halo 3 is intrinsically evil. I don’t agree. (But having not played, I’m not saying it’s necessarily good, either.) Unless you are prepared to say all video games are evil, you must make a case for why Halo 3 is evil.
Also, you said: “Anything, you allow in church is condoned by church. Content is everything –“Style is negotiable.” These are two different points. I agree with the second, not the first. Content is important and if it’s a war game, it should have “war content.” How far one dramatizes that war is another issue (probably traverses on Mark and Jason’s reference to Christian liberty.) But whether or not everything you allow in the church is condoned by the church is another story. There may be far more grey area here than you’re willing to admit.
Thanks for the comments, Dayle. I appreciate your passion!
Becky, thanks for your thoughts. I whole-heartedly agree with everything you said. We are a terminally pragmatic society and the madness has seeped into the church.
But let me tell you a story: A friend of mine is an elder in a church. His wife used to come to our Bible Study, way before he was a believer, and we prayed for him weekly. The very first “church outing” I invited him to was a fishing trip. This was part of a specific outreach program — a non-threatening means to gather seekers. You know what I said to him about God? Zip. But it was bridges like that that eventually warmed him to the church and made him see Christians aren’t a bunch of imbeciles. And when I felt the time was right, I spoke to him about God. He is now a staff pastor at the church I attend.
Couldn’t dynamics like this be in process at many “fun and game” events? In fact, if fun and game events are accompanied by discipleship, they can be some of the most integral parts of a church’s life.
So while it’s wrong to define success by “the number of bodies,” when Jesus said “Go into the world and make disciples,” it ultimately meant “more bodies.”
Grace to you, Becky!
Thanks, Mike.
My extreme examples were purposeful. It shows the slippery slope of the model. And, it was an attempt at humor. (okay, maybe I’m only funny in person):)
As I told Jason, it’s not about Halo, it’s about my disagreement with the technigue. For further explanation: see my last comment.
By the way, this technique is not only acceptable but very effective outside the church as you explained to Becky. But the church should not lower its standards when it comes to content.
Let me rephrase my line that you disagree with because it was poorly written (my bad):
Anything that is church sponsored is church condoned.
Now, you have to agree with that.
I think it would be perfectly acceptable for you to host a Halo party at your home – given parental notification and permission, of course. You would probably do a wonderful job building those bridges.
But I don’t think it should be a church sponsored event.
Dayle, I still don’t understand. Do you think that using events — films / food / music / video games — is wrong? Or do you think using Halo 3 is wrong? I’m not sure what you mean by “bait and switch” unless that people are being tricked into hearing the Gospel. I’d agree, that would be wrong. But what if they were going in under the full knowledge that a Gospel presentation would follow. Would that make it okay?
Dayle,
Like Mike said, I appreciate your passion for Jesus. We’re on the same team, just trying to work on the play book some.
I would also agree that a bait and switch situation isn’t the best way to go about things. I don’t recall saying that’s what we were doing.
I don’t think at all that Halo (or football parties, or other entertainment through the church) is the answer. It just can be a tool. I see when a group of us from my church get together to play Halo, and someone brings an unchurched friend, this is less threatening than inviting them to church. My participation may only be in having fun and acting like a Christian (not cussing, being a good sport), but it helps smooth things for my friend to witness. Now his buddy has seen multiple examples of Christians who can have fun. I don’t see it as any different than Mike’s fishing example.
Anyway, I’m getting tired and may be veering toward incoherency, so I’ll pick y’all up on this tomorrow after a night’s sleep.
Hey Mike,
That is what I mean by bait and switch. “Hey minors, come play this video game that is rated mature and banned in Britain and maybe your parents won’t let you play, but we will. See, we’re a cool church.”
I was speaking more of the model, but let me clarify by picking on Halo 3 – By that I mean using a mature rated video game. This is the equivalent to me of an R-rated movie. Now personally, I watch a lot of R-rated movies. But I don’t think churches should be inviting minors into church to watch them. (equivalent – inviting minors to play a mature rated game.) By doing so, the church is condoning the movie,game, etc, and its content. Not to mention usurping parental authority.
Can you imagine telling your teenager that he can’t play a M-rated video game just to find out on Sunday that the pastor is all for it.
Fellowship is different and valuable.
If my church bulletin says “We’re going to show The Nativity Scene this Saturday. Please invite people over for fun and fellowship.” I’m okay with that.
If it says “We’re going to show Scream 2 . . .” I will be looking for a new church the next day.
Mark, thanks for your comments. I do think the discussion of Christian liberty (Rom. 14) is applicable here. But if our guiding principle is to never stumble weaker brothers, we potentially become bound by other people’s opinions. There will always be Christians who are stumbled by something; it’s especially true as it relates to the youth ministry.
If it’s not the movies, it’s the clothes. If it’s not the clothes, it’s the music. If it’s not the music, it’s the video games. There is no end to which church members will get “offended” by something done. As we veer into a postmodern age, we can expect more people being offended by our attempts to reach the lost.
I believe the key to understanding the Romans 14 principle is discerning the “accusers” (and I use that term loosely). Joe Aldrich, in his book Lifestyle Evangelism, describes different degrees of “weaker brothers.” These are people who are stumbled by cultural differences — drinking, smoking, watching movies, etc. He coins a phrase “Professional Weaker Brothers” to describe Christians who, though they are older in the faith, are still offended by other’s lifestyle choices or liberties. In essence, they make a “profession” out of being stumbled. Scripture calls them “legalists.”
When it comes to the discussion about using video games as outreach tools, I think this distinction is important. Are we addressing those who are legitimately stumbled by these things, or are we dealing with legalists whose sole objective is to pooh-pooh anything they can’t get their head around? In many cases, I feel it’s the latter.
Thanks for your comments, Mark. Lord bless you and yours!
Dayle, I think you’re teetering on this point of saying that Halo 3 is evil. If it is evil, then the church shouldn’t condone it. If it is “questionable,” however, then the church should proceed with caution. So what is it — is Halo 3 “evil” or “neutral”?
Furthermore, if the church is up front with parents about the M rating and get their approval (as many of these churches apparently do), does that then make Halo outreaches all right?
Thank again!
Mike,
Once again you seem to be focusing too much on the specific and not enough on the concept.
I don’t know how I can be any clearer. If my church decides by vote or not, parental okay or not, to purchase video game consoles and mature rated games and then as a matter of practice, (which is the equivalent of condoning), to allow these games to be a component of ministry — I deem this to be incredibly irresponsible. And, I will find a new church.
If a pastor says this is okay, what he is saying in effect is : It is okay for minors to play any M-rated video game.
Some churches have agreed by vote to allow homosexual pastors. The agreement of the majority does not make it right. I would not be a member of such a church.
If you’re okay with all this, you have that right. But, I think it goes beyond the standards of good stewardship of the Gospel.
Also, I believe the effect of incrementalism that leads to the extreme examples that you scoff at is a real possibility and a threat.
The same force of incrementalism that has almost led to the expulsion of Christianity in our culture is the same engine that will blur the lines between pop culture and the standard of the Gospel.
Believe me, Mike. I admire your desire here. You want to reach as many as possible. But, there are wrong ways and right ways.
And the sad fact is: we won’t reach everyone. We should try. But in our effort to do so, the ends do not justify all the means.
One more point of clarification, Mike. I’m not speaking of personal efforts. I am only speaking, in the context of this discussion, of church sponsored ministry.
If you want to have a Halo party at your house for this noble purpose of outreach. You go right ahead. You build those bridges.
But that is oceans away from being Church sponsored.
I see a clear difference between Minister and Missionary.
My thoughts about the fun nights at churches has to do with the kind of bait and switch technique Dayle spoke of. Even if the kids know there will be some kind of 5 minute devotion at the end, they might well be willing to tolerate it for the sake of hanging with their friends in an environment of fun.
To me that is not a good example of how church is.
On the other hand, Mike, your example of the fishing outing with your friend is. This is not a mixing of church with a gimmicky activity.
As to the Halo 3, I have no knowledge of it. I did think of Paintball, then Jason confirmed this was a fairly accurate comparison. I also thought of all the water fights I was in, and even organized growing up and teaching junior highers.
What I wonder about is this M rating. M for mature? Then why would such a rating automatically be a no? Are we saying our teens aren’t mature?
This gets sticky because our society has a skewered view of violence. But I suppose that’s a whole different topic.
Becky
Jason,
Amen, brother about being on the same team.
I think the problem with the discussion here is the blurring of the context. Everyone is talking about two different things.
I’m only speaking of official church ministerial functions. Not your personal efforts or missionary efforts.
I not only agree with the personal efforts you speak of, but I would help you organize them. They are the backbone of true missionary outreach.
Want a Christian fishing trip, football outing, ping pong tournament, etc, etc, etc, you go ahead and be the good example that I’m sure you are and I’m behind you 100 percent.
That is vastly different than turning a worship service into a secular event for the purpose of attracting non-believers.
Also, wouldn’t you agree that there are things you do with your friends at home that you wouldn’t do in church. So there must be a line that you and even Mike wouldn’t cross.
I’m curious, where would you, or Mike for that matter, draw the line? What would be unacceptable in church even if “we’re preaching Christ”? What game? What movie? What activity at a Super Bowl Party? Obviously you wouldn’t allow anything. So what are your limits?
Dayle, I went back and reread all your comments to make sure I wasn’t missing anything, and I don’t think I am. The problem is not “the blurring of the context” or that we’re “talking about two different things.” I just don’t think you’ve made your point.
You ask where I’d “draw the line” as if I have no line (“As long as Christ is preached, anything goes.”). OF COURSE some things are unacceptable in church — I’ve already stated that in my post. There’s biblical / moral guidelines that govern evangelism. The point of contention, as I see it, is WHERE WE DRAW THE LINE, not if a line should be drawn. You happen to draw it here (at Halo 3-type events). While I, personally, am unsure about the Halo outreach, I do not stand in judgment of those who choose to use it, I cannot judge their motives. I fall back on the quote I referenced — as long as “Christ is preached” — and try to yield to grace rather than law in these types of disputes.
You argue that the issue is the “bait and switch” model. Right? Models are neutral — whether they’re political, social, church government, etc. — and are defined primarily by the folks who steer them. I don’t like that term — “Bait and Switch” — at all because it (1) Unfairly characterizes the churches that use such models (as if they’re all tricksters and manipulators with evil motives), and (2) Unfairly generalizes / demonizes the “draw” (the event or medium has to be bad because it’s simply bait). “Bait and switch” evangelism is only wrong if it’s (1) intentionally deceptive and (2) Uses ungodly / evil “bait”. And therein lies the crux of the argument and the two points you are not addressing.
Question #1 — Is the Halo 3 outreach and those implementing it intentionally deceptive?
Question #2 — Is Halo 3 inherently evil?
I withhold judgment on #1 because I can’t judge people’s hearts. Furthermore, I believe models are neutral — it’s the peoples’ hearts behind them that matter. On #2, I believe Halo 3 is neutral and thus requires individual discernment. This is where I draw my line. And I believe your answer to those two questions will illuminate the real differences between us.
Perhaps we should take our discussion to email, at this point, as it’s becoming bloated. I really appreciate your contributions, Dayle. Grace to you!
Hi Mike,
Just got back from a long weekend and caught up with the comments here.
I can’t agree with you more about “professional weaker brothers” (love the phrase) who seem to spend their lives getting offended on others’ behalf. One of my favorite examples is from a few years ago, when there was a movement to change the name of the Washington Redskins, because their name was obviously offensive to all Native Americans. But a funny thing happened on the way to the Capitol–Sports Illustrated did a poll showing that most Native Americans really weren’t bothered by the team name. Just like that, the movement died.
So, I also share frustration with those who constantly stand in judgment of the actions of others. But, if Paul felt it was important to be mindful of causing brothers to stumble, then it probably is important. Yes, we will all continually stumble, but it’s important for us not to be the cause of the downfall of others.
I see ways in which Halo tournaments could be used to bring people to the Kingdom of God. It requires a Christian with a discerning eye–can we use this game or movie to demonstrate Biblical truth? In some cases you can. But you can do a lot better with Gladiator or Shawshank than you can with Basic Instinct, for example.
Is it right for churches to sponsor it? I think it’s up to the church. The real question, as I said previously, is: are relationships being formed? If I’m playing Halo with a new friend now, am I earning the right to share the Gospel later? If that isn’t happening, then it isn’t worth it.
God judges the heart, after all, and even our good works “are like filthy rags in His sight” according to Isaiah. Personally, I would no more condemn Christian teens for playing Halo with buddies than I would Christian adults for having a glass of wine with dinner. If they were playing Grand Theft Auto or something obviously unredeemable, well, that’s a different story. Jesus warns us against being judgmental, though, and we’d be wise to listen. By withholding judgment, the Gospel message is much better received when it’s presented.
Sorry to ramble on like this, but I guess your original post struck a nerve!