MondayMorningInsight - Leadership & Encouragement for Church Leaders

Lingerie Evangelism

Posted by: Todd
Posted on: Thu, October 06, 2005
Viewed 61
(12) comments so far

"Evangelism and erotic underwear are rarely linked outside the tabloid newspapers. But a new book backed by a Church of England bishop urges Christians to spread the message to their friends and neighbours by hosting lingerie parties.

The book, Open the Door, argues that in an age when more people know their zodiac signs than the Ten Commandments, Christians have to use unconventional methods to reverse the decline in churchgoing.

The book, produced by the charity Activate, which is primarily aimed at women, also recommends murder mystery evenings and "pamper" parties as ways to break the ice with non-churchgoers. Other opportunities to spread the faith include knitting groups and book clubs.

The Bishop of Bolton, the Rt Rev David Gillett, said: "They are the modern version of the Tupperware party and they are a natural way for women to meet. They can lead to a discussion of themes such as Adam and Eve and relations between people and God."

The bishop said that he was a devotee of the Big Brother television show because the issues that surfaced during the programme were often more real to ordinary people than those raised in church.

Hmmm... would this fly at your church?

OK… I’m finding some really obscure things this week to share. This one from the News.Telegraph about the Church of England…

Comments

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bernie dehler on Thu, October 06, 2005

Contrast:

“Evangelism and erotic underwear are rarely linked outside the tabloid newspapers. But a new book backed by a Church of England bishop urges Christians to spread the message to their friends and neighbours by hosting lingerie parties.”

with

1 Peter 4:11

“If anyone speaks, let them speak as one speaking the very words of God.”
dan ohlerking on Thu, October 06, 2005

a variation of this “flew” a while back at my church (http://www.healingplacechurch.org). we do a ton of giving stuff away - cokes, bananas, snapple, etc. we even gave out rat bait one time. whatever we can get our hands on.

anyway, one time we were given a semi-truck load full of ladies’ plus-size lingerie. we went to the inner city and gave it out. dino rizzo (our pastor) still gets some interesting (yet thankful) looks whenever he’s back in that area.

personally, i think if it isn’t immoral, and it will get people to let down their presuppositions and defenses against church and what we’re supposed to represent, we need to be at least willing to consider doing it. “unconventional” sometimes means “should-have-been-doing-it.” not always, but we certainly need to open up a bit and expand our ability to communicate to the culture we’re in.

a lingerie show, not a chance. but giving lingerie away free? certainly.
Beggers on Thu, October 06, 2005

I guess it depends upon the guest list.

Teenagers - NO WAY!

Single women - Not a good idea.

We need to make sure we are not condoning, let alone promoting, behavior contrary to our beliefs.

Married women - Okay… I guess?

INTIMATE apparel is not something I’m interested in sharing with a group of my girlfriends, let alone strangers. The group/party setting belies intimacy.

There are plenty of other interests or subjects of substance to share with others, serving as “ice breakers” and relational building blocks.

I guess I see a need to have relationships (of all sorts) built upon a healthy, biblical character or foundation before tackling “intimate” subjects.

Just my thoughts
bernie dehler on Thu, October 06, 2005

Beggers said:

“I guess I see a need to have relationships (of all sorts) built upon a healthy, biblical character or foundation before tackling “intimate” subjects.”

I don’t see how such a gathering can avoid godless chatter… the whole point of the event would be to entice/tempt people into sharing inappropriate comments… great for the flesh, but poison for the spirit, I think.

Intimate (sexual) subjects would only be appropriate one-on-one, I think… unless it is godly teaching on the subject meant for the masses…

...Bernie

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/247
Jade on Thu, October 06, 2005

Are we serious? I think lingere parties should be left for bachlorette parties. Why are we handing out lingere? Sounds kind of silly if you ask me. But again just my two since.

I just don’t see the purpose behind it.
Beggers on Thu, October 06, 2005

Bernie, you misunderstood me. I whole heartedly agree about the one on one and biblical teaching.

Not all INTIMATE subjects are sexual. I was referring to anything of a close and personal nature, which is also how I would categorize sexual discussions.

Even the one on one conversations need to be grounded with Godly perspectives. If not, we are the blind leading the blind seeing as this article pertains to an outreach opportunity.

And, as I pointed out before, there are better ways to break the ice…
bernie dehler on Thu, October 06, 2005

Beggers, I understood you… I knew what you meant, sorry the post didn’t appear that way.
Beggers on Thu, October 06, 2005

No problem Bernie, maybe I over reacted, not wanting anyone to think I meant otherwise.

You also mentioned the tendancy for those sorts of things to end in “godless chatter” - probably a huge understatment!

I also have to agree with Jade - “Are we serious?” I first thought this might have been a Lark News item. No such luck, someone actually is serious about this.

I can’t concieve of how such a ministry would edify the body of Christ. Pun intended but the point still stands.

The world’s already sinking fast, we as Christians are supposed to share our life line…
Franklin Reeves on Mon, October 10, 2005

What ever happened to just sharing the gospel with friends, co-workers, neighbors, strangers, and every one else.

If we share the gospel with people, then some will be saved, and then they will go to church, perhaps even the church of the person who brought them the good news.

You can check out my website for ideas. Right now it is just a record of some of the activities I am particpating in, but may have more how to added later.

http://www.alabamaevangelism.blogspot.com
Chris Dillingham on Mon, October 10, 2005

To be frank, I think it’s got a lot of potential. Yes, there’s a fine line between unusual outreaches and heresy, but considering how the church has been silent on the subject of sex for so long, this could be brilliant.

Part of the problem with the sex-driven culture today is that the church has essentially allowed sexual immorality to grow within our culture and/or condemned sex outside of marriage without adequately celebrating the joy of sex within marriage. If we celebrate sex as something worth waiting for, and provide an opportunity for women to open up about sexual issues within the context of it as a God-given blessing to us within a marriage, it could open up doors for a lot of healing where there was silence, emotional hurt, and frustration before. Then consider the marketing and relevance benefits. I’m not saying it would be without some pitfalls, but the benefits may outweigh it.

And don’t forget the irresistible metaphors of releasing people from bondage. ;D
RBR on Wed, October 19, 2005

I remember the first time I saw the spear mint comercial with the sexy twins in their bathing suit. I asked, what do the half naked bodies have to do with chewing gum? Nothing. The promoters appealed to my erotic nature in order to sell their product. I find it difficult to hand the Bible that says flee sexual lust in one hand while handing out women sexually arousing panties in the other. We can be innovative but never indecent. What’s next, a condum party?
lingerie on Mon, November 14, 2005

What is bad where?