Comments on: A Pastor’s View on the Death of Autotune by Jay-Z

By: P. Ngwolo

P. Ngwolo — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:00:44 +0000

nice post. I am encouraged by your ministry and your faithfulness to the kingdom. I will be praying for you and the Courageous Church gamily.

By: ihatechurch

ihatechurch — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 15:34:51 +0000

nice post, was just thinking about this new track and the finer details of "the roc". the great thing about this post shaun, is that it is you….. no one else….. because you recognize the fact there is no on the planet with you DNA… enjoy it. :: selah ::

By: adam lehman

adam lehman — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 13:45:22 +0000

Jesus used gimmicks…

oh wait.

no he didn't.

when we use gimmicks to "lure" people, we lure them to the wrong thing.

By: Willie Jackson

Willie Jackson — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 13:19:58 +0000

I'm feeling this, Shaun. I don't think Jay-Z was dissing the artist he mentions in the song (he actually praises them in his interview about the song here), but I appreciate the point you make about not using gimmicks in preaching. One of my favorite preachers refers to the light show and theatrics on stage as "Six Flags over Jesus." He talks about how preachers in this country often get caught up with the wealthy lifestyle that surrounds a "successful" ministry, whereas a lot of preachers in third-world countries are content to plant churches, live below their means, and know nothing other than the gospel of Christ. Interesting contrast.

By: jinean

jinean — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 05:34:01 +0000

great thoughts. I think that gimmicks are only gimmicks when they are the product of copy-cat imitation. I am not one that believes means that are other than "traditional" ones are gimmicks… preaching, songs, lights, video, or whatever other expression is not bad in and of itself. What IS wrong is if that expression is not uniquely given to you/church from God for your means at that moment and for that particular purpose. That is when it feels like a gimmick because we are seeing a copy of a copy of a copy of a copy of a copy and at that point it's pretty played and not God authentic at all.

By: revjbh4

revjbh4 — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 05:08:48 +0000

That was a very insightful take on this song. Quite contemplative. I agree that we (the church, pastors, ministry leaders) rely on too many "gimmicks" to relay the message of Christ. I believe that the ends (leading people to Christ) do justify whatever means we can take. However, so many people are desiring authenticity as it relates to the discovery of and growing in Christ and that's exactly what we have to give them. Whatever it takes for you and me to be authentic to our calling and our gifting…that's what we do. To God be the glory! Awesome bro!