More churches may turn to 'events directors' for outreach occasions

Contact: Ron Keener, Church Executive, 800-541-2670, ext. 204

PHOENIX, Oct. 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- When Hollywood actor Jim Caviezel came to Cornerstone Christian Fellowship earlier this year, it was an example of more churches doing outreach occasions through special events, performances, and services focused to unbelievers who wouldn't otherwise step foot in a church.

The Chandler, AZ megachurch has brought other celebrities, performers and actors to the community where they give testimony to their faith in a low-key and non-threatening context that attracts nonbelievers to visit the church.

But getting Jim Caviezel, who portrayed Jesus in "The Passion of the Christ" four years ago, put the church in the big leagues. Caviezel has been making appearances at larger churches around the country.

Moreover, his appearance and those of other artists, celebrities, athletes, and entertainers points up a new job title at some larger churches--that of events director. Pulling off such occasions successfully requires something beyond the "all hands on deck" approach and that's where an events director adds value.

The Caviezel visit and the role of an events director are told in the November issue of Church Executive, a business magazine that reaches pastors, executive pastors, and business administrators of larger and mega churches.
http://churchexecutive.com/article.asp?IndexID=1134

In the same issue, an Oklahoma pastor says there is something you can do about the weather. You can "Speak to the Sky," the title of his book about how people of faith can pray for changes in the weather and expect results.

Says Pastor Mark Deckard of Church on the Lake, Grand Lake, OK: "What I do is go outside when there's a tornado warning and I lift my hands up and begin to praise God for his love and mercy." In an interview with Church Executive, he describes results that he has seen in the Gustav and Ike hurricanes. He also describes how a corporate prayer to call forth rain from the sky in Jesus' name helped end a drought.

What has been the public reception from those who have read his book? "Those who are of the spiritual worldview that miracles are still alive in Jesus' plan for the church have received it with great joy. Those who are grounded in logic and intellect have expressed skepticism," says Deckard.
http://churchexecutive.com/article.asp?IndexID=1146