Outer Rim Territories

Churches see red over sex sermons' promotion

Well, it seems that the flack from EPIC's sex sermon series is not restricted to LC-MS circles. Articles have been found in Detroit News and Fox News. This could get ugly. Talking about sex should not be taboo but using Madison Ave. techniques to get them into "worship" is the worst form of bait-and-switch. I'm all for tasteful marketing and "putting our best foot forward." I wonder how Rev. Kade ties his sexual theme into the lectionary or this Lententide? I expect he doesn't. I can't imagine a sermon series on this subject will prepare people for the feast of Easter. Here are a couple more posts on the subject. What think ye? Churches see red over sex sermons' promotion

A 45-second introduction to the Web site www.epicwired.com features two pairs of feet poking out from bed sheets and a sultry "boom-chikka-boom" tune playing over the words, "Is your sex life a bore? A chore?" This is not an adults-only site. It's the Web site introduction to a new church in Rochester Hills, promoting its monthlong sermon series titled "Pure Sex." Every Sunday through April 1, Pastor Tim Kade's sermons will focus on sex -- frustrations couples face in their relationships, how to talk to kids about sex -- topics he says churches are typically afraid to address."We live in a sex-saturated society, and everyone else is talking about it, and God is the one who created it," said Kade, 40, of Rochester Hills. "We're just trying to provide a safe environment where people can find the hope, the health and the healing that they need in this area of their life," he said. The series kicked off Sunday with "The Greatest Sex You'll Ever Have."Founded just 18 months ago, Epic Church doesn't shy away from today's media -- including music, performances, internet and video -- to draw worshippers who have previously turned away from church. Sunday morning service is held in Hart Middle School's cafeteria, and draws up to 200 worshippers, most in their 20s to 30s. The Web site and sermon titles were designed to get people's attention, Kade said. And they did. "Instead of using scripture, he's using fads," said Gene Koessel, 70, a retired Lutheran pastor from Roseville, about Kade. "What's next?" The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's English district, headquartered in Farmington, has been fielding e-mails and phone calls from area churches upset over the Web site images and the sexual permissiveness they arguably convey. "Maybe the Epic Church went over the edge of good taste in terms of the Web site," said Bishop David Stechholz, district president, who oversees 160 parishes in North America. "That had a few people pretty upset." The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, made up of 6,150 parishes worldwide, is the second-largest Lutheran faith in the world and considered the more conservative branch. In addition to making strict interpretations of the Bible, the faith does not ordain women as pastors; abortion and extramarital sex are deemed sins. Epic Church is awaiting official membership. Some questioned the propriety of sermons on sex during Lent, the season of penitence and self-denial for Christians. But Stechholz defended Kade's intentions. "He's trying to do an important thing," said Stechholz. "He wants to bring about a thorough discussion on sexual intimacy from God's point of view."Kade assured area leaders that God's word -- specifically condoning sex only within the bonds of marriage -- would be central to his message. But condemnation would be left out, he added. "Churches, all they want to do is condemn people," said Kade. "Oftentimes, people realize they're just not making the best choices in their life." Star West, 30, and her husband, Craig, look forward to the sermons. "If they're not afraid to talk about this openly, then I feel more comfortable talking about it if I have a problem or question," said the mother of two from Rochester Hills.

Dear Dr. Kieschnick, Greetings from North Carolina. I recieved a disturbing weblink from some of the members of my parish and I am wanting to know how I am to respond to it. This website and these opinions were raised and brought to my attention by my members and therefore I feel it is my duty to answer accordingly and to ask for a response from you and this church as to why they feel it is necessary to put such a website on the web. If you are not aware of www.epicwired.com, it is a church that is a member of the LCMS and many of my parishoners are shocked at the introduction and emphasis of this "church website"? I realize there is a time and a place for proper spiritual education from the Word of God concerning sexual relations as human beings, but in my mind this website is over the top. Yet I have the heard several people have state that this is a hinderance to our work as a church in general since we are affiliated with it. It is one thing to say there will be a Bible study on sexual relations, but it is completely another thing to place what one of my members stated as "soft porn" on the introduction of one of our church's website. One member of mine was outraged when he opened up this website in front of his children and had to tell them to leave the room for fear they would "stumble" over such images and connotations. What are you thoughts on such a website? The question I have been asked is "Is this where the LCMS is heading?", "Is there anyone in our leadership who finds this offensive?", "Does this best represent who we are as a church and a church body?". How do I as a parish pastor respond to my people and is this truly condoned by the LCMS as they state they are affiliated with? Do you feel this should be promoted? I await your personal answer to these questions as a fellow brother in Christ who is called to reach out with the Gospel to all people. I personally do not think such a website gives this church or our Synod a repuation as "conservative Christians". In a day and age where the Internet can be a dangerous tool that causes lust and temptation, this website has caused offense to the people of my congregation. I will answer accordingly to their questions as it is best fit, but I also know that they are wanting to know how you and other leaders of our Synod feel about this sort of website. Thank you for the time in reading this e-mail and I await your response. In Christ, Rev K.R. Schaaf All Saints Lutheran Church, Charlotte, NC