Television ministries have always seemed a bit odd to me. A bit mysterious, a bit out of the mainstream. I mean, sure, getting a church service on television can on rare occasions be a good thing. But even in my pre-messianic days, when I was young in my faith and watched shows like The 700 Club, it always struck me as a bit odd that someone would send some minister they’ve never met face-to-face lots of money while neglecting the needs of the church they attend in their own neighborhood.
Sure, the TV stuff has high production values and usually the folks who make it big in broadcast ministries are highly charismatic and good public speakers. But to be honest, I’ve never really understood the appeal of supporting someone you don’t really know over someone you do.
In my own kehilat, I know I can trust Rabbi Stan because I see him a couple times a week. He knows me, too. He’s the one who presided over my wedding. That contact means that God can powerfully equip him to speak to my needs in a knowledgeable way. That’s something Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell and even Zola Levitt can’t do.
I mean, one wouldn’t trust a TV commercial (or shouldn’t), or a TV doctor like Dr. Gregory House, to tell them what the best diet pills are. If one doesn’t trust a distant TV personality with their physical health, why trust one with your spiritual health?
Seems like a no-brainer to me; the one whose ministry should receive your support is the minister or rabbi who knows you best.
Tags: best diet pills, Jerry Falwell, ministry, Pat Robertson, Zola Levitt