Olympics-themed messages?

I got this e-mail and since I'm not a pastor, thought I'd pass it along to those of you who are. Warning: it includes a sales pitch.

BTW...just out of curiosity...do you pastors often theme your sermons around current events like this? Do you think it's a good idea or a bad one? Personally, I think the price on these sermons is a bit steep, when you could probably come up with your own Olympics-themed sermons if you so desired.

I would like to get your thoughts on this, at any rate.

Anyway, here's the e-mail:

"Pastor,

What are you preaching in 38 days when the next Summer Olympics begin?

The Olympic games run from August 11-29 in Athens, Greece, and feature world-class competitors who are vying to become Olympic athletic champions.

Pastor, you can leverage all that Olympic news and attention into spiritual lessons taught at your church! Preach through the brand new sermon series "Go for the Gold: Becoming a Spiritual Champion" and make a meaningful bridge from the secular world to the spiritual one.

Visit http://www.sermon-series.com/gftg/ for more details online.

Preaching "Go for the Gold" will encourage your congregation to adopt what the Scriptures have to say about becoming spiritual champions, even as they watch others become Olympic champions!

Consider these 6 Dynamic Olympic Sermon Themes:

Believers with a "Go for the Gold" mindset:

1. Remember the Witnesses (1st sermon)
2. Remove Any Hindrances (2nd sermon)
3. Run with Perseverance (3rd sermon)
4. Reach for the Goal (4th sermon)
5. Respect Divine Discipline (optional 5th sermon)
6. Recover from Injuries (optional 6th sermon)

The foundational Scripture texts for this sermon series are found in Hebrews 12:1-13:"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith...let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us." NIV

Pastor, Order your "Go for the Gold" Pastor's CD by Friday, August 6th to save 22% on this life-changing sermon series, and its timely, time-saving collection of preaching resources and worship service helps.


That's $20 off the normal price--only $69 for your Pastor's Deluxe "Go for the Gold" CD! You save 22% on 6 weeks of exceptional, time-saving preaching and worship service helps, and this timely Olympic sermon topic will make a deep and lasting impact on your congregation.

Visit http://www.sermon-series.com/gftg/ for more details or to order online today.

Helping You Help your People Grow,


Dr. David R. Mains, Director
Mainstay Church Resources

P.S. The summer Olympics are less than 38 days away! When they do arrive, be prepared with a preaching series that relates. Order your copy of the "Go for the Gold" Pastor's Sermon Series CD today for only $69. Visit http://www.sermon-series.com/gftg/ for more details or to order online and save 22 per cent today."

 

I agree. Not only that, but many pastors don't have huge budgets to work with that would warrant them spending 60 or 70 buck on outlines. Sixty bucks can buy quite a few groceries!