Taking a Lesson from the Turn Left League

As some on you may know, I am an avid sports fan. Unfortunately, my days of lacing them up ended with a slide into second base in softball game several years ago; spikes up, knee torn up. As this was not the first time my knee was damaged, these days, a brisk walk is about as good as it gets.

The last week has been a devastating one for much of professional sports. With allegations of dog-fighting against a star quarterback, an NBA referee accused of betting on games and Barry Bonds about to break the all-time home run record, it has been a dark week in sports. With the above legal issues, all three leagues are represented in this hall of shame.

Ironically, while all of these sports are popular and profitable, none of them can boast that they are the most watched, on television or in person. Today, NASCAR, the racing league that grew out of roots of bootleggers in the South, is the most watched and attended event in our country today. Interestingly enough, the only bad press NASCAR gets is when Tony Stewart gets angry with someone driving his Home Depot Monte Carlo into the wall. (Notice the endorsement speak here. If you have watched NASCAR, you will know that I had to practice my NASCAR-speak to get that right.)

Is it a coincidence that NASCAR is the most watched sport? Is it a coincidence that NASCAR drivers and pit crews are never tied to dog-fighting, steroids, gambling and the like? I don't think so. Having spent time with drivers and talking with people in NASCAR over the years, it is clear that NASCAR does not want that kind of attention given to their sport and works to build a Christian, family environment every week at every track. When was the last you watched a baseball game with included a pre-game, on field prayer officiated by a pastor who is member of the league's official outreach group?

NASCAR was built around entertaining families, much like baseball. But while baseball players went on strike, took steroids and corked bats, the NASCAR leadership insisted upon higher standards. Just like football and baseball players, every driver has a contract; however, unlike the gridiron stars and hoopsters, NASCAR drivers have explicit language in their contracts relating to personal conduct. The language in these contracts allows team owners and NASCAR to terminate contracts when a driver's behavior is detrimental to the sport.

Can you imagine the Major League Baseball Players Association of the NFL Players Association going for this? Each of these unions have battled for years on drug testing, all the while, players from each league continue to be arrested for a myriad of charges.

While many people will argue that the Turn Left League is not a sport, I would suggest that the other professional sports unions get in line and take a lesson. While the spotlight shines on Barry Bonds, Michael Vick and the NBA referee, never has there been a greater need for leadership in American sports.

The Mailbag

Every day, I receive hundreds of emails. Last week, when we announced the Most Influential Churches in America, it generated more email than usual and I wanted to share some comments, good and bad, that we recevied. Keep in mind, that when we published the list, it was clear that the list was a result of survey we sent to pastors from large churches throughout the counntry, not a staff vote.

Let's start with Brad Polley who says:

"This list is so disgusting that I’m not sure where to start. Why don’t you stop using the word “influence” and use the word “power,” because it’s what you imply anyway. Since when is power a biblical value? Last time I checked, Jesus seemed to gravitate toward the weak and powerless, and had rather harsh words for those who sought “power” and “influence.” The fault isn’t necessarily with these churches, because I’m sure they’re doing some great work for God’s Kingdom, the problem lies in articles like this one that put them on a pedestal because of their numbers and the popularity of their pastor. I know you probably won’t, but I’ll say it anyway: Please stop writing these kinds of lists. They are sickening and do no service at all to the Kingdom of God. They also make pastors of smaller churches look at their own small congregations and wonder what they’re doing wrong. You’re doing more harm than good by writing articles like this"

Elias from Oregon says:

"It can be readily seen why the USofA is in such an amoral & deficient Spiritual situation/condition by the enumerating of the '50' most prominent "churches" and their heads. Truly, "Narrow is The Way and Straight is The Gate that leads to Eternal Life and few there be that find it."


Lamar from Florida wants to know if I have a clue:

"It was interesting that Grace Community Church Pastored by John MacArhur was not listed this year. I wonder if your questions changed or perhaps why such a vibrant large and well known ministry such as that was not listed. In fact, some of the one's listed were certainly not as well known nor as well engaged in ministry as Dr. MacArthur's! Do you have a clue?"

Carol wrote:

"I was also very surprised that he was 28th last year of 50, but this year not even on the list?"


Lestra from San Antonio wrote:

"I am pretty surprised that Cornerstone CHurch in SAn Antonio, Tx wasn't named. IT's membership is over 17,000 and seems to be pretty influential in the country . This week , for example, there will be a meeting of CUFI in Washington DC showing its support for Israel and there are 4000 delegates, I think, it is. Last year there were 4000 delegates there."

This is merely a sampling of the comments we received. Remember folks, attacking the staff for the result of the survey will not change the result, the staff had no input on the list. Brad, maybe an amazing small church list is in the works.

Thanks for the mail.

More Turmoil in Allen, MI Church- Arrest Made

Once again, an independent Baptist church in tiny Allen, Michigan was the scene of more upheaval. Allen Baptist's pastor, Jason Burrick, has been battling his congregation seemingly from the onset of his hiring. After purging the church of its long-time deacons and assuming the book keeping duties, Burrick, as I reported here a few weeks ago, began cleaning house on church members who had been attending since the late 50's.

Karolyn Caskey, a member since 1959, seems to have drawn the ire of Pastor Burrick. After sending Caskey a letter notifying her that she was no longer welcome, Caskey opted to attend the church several weeks. In this first incident in June, Caskey was arrested for trespassing in the middle of Sunday services. In speaking with Caskey, I found her to be a church leader and a faithful Christian who was stunned by the treatment of Pastor Burrick. She was also clear that this type of leadership from her pastor would not be tolerated.

Last weekend, Caskey was determined to attend her church. With the support of friends, family and the community, Caskey once again put on her Sunday best to attend Allen Baptist. According to her close friend, Pat Church, Caskey was lead out of the church during Sunday prayers at the request of Pastor Jason Burrick. Burrick pressured the state police to make the arrest while scores of former church members looked on from across the street. Church told me that many of the onlookers were calling for the removal of Burrick and many were holding signs drawing attention to the crisis at Allen Baptist.

Caskey, Church and the community of Allen are determined that Burrick, who will not take my phones calls, is destroying the Allen Baptist one member and one family at a time. This Sunday, Caskey and several former members will once again attend church at Allen Baptist. Pat Church says Caskey remains strong in her resolve and realizes that her repeated arrest may be the only means of drawing attention to Pasor Jason Burrick.

We Need Your CR Star of the Week Nominees

Do you know someone who does extraordinary things but gets little recognition for it? Do you know someone who spreads the Gospel and deserves a note of thanks? Do you know someone who best exemplifies what it really means to be a Christian?

We want to know about them. The Church Report and The CR Daily are excited to announce The CR Star of the Week. We want you to share with us people you know who deserve a special thank you. These people can be pastors, friends, family, or others you know from throughout your Christian walk. We are looking to recognize these people for extraordinary efforts, service, talents and skills.

Each week, beginning next week Friday, we will announce the CR Star of the Week in the CR Daily and on our website. Finally, on January 1st, we will announce the CR Star of the Year, based upon reader comments and choices..

Send your nominations and letter explaining why your nominee should be chosen to crdaily@thechurchreport.com .