Don’t Judge a Book…

When I received the call sometime back, I thought to myself that it must have been a mistake. Why would TBN be calling me to be on their show PTL? Quest is not exactly the sort of church I would associate with Christian TV. In fact, I have thought we were so different that I have never even really watched the show all the way through. I had my Communications Director call to see if this was all a mistake. He called…it wasn’t.

TBN was doing a show with pastors from advancing churches and they had found us through the 100 Fastest Growing Churches in America list. It turns out they went to our website…researched Quest a bit & said, “We’ve got to get this church’s pastor on here.” So considering this and talking with the Lord about it, I decided to accept their invitation in the middle of my Study Month. On top of that, I figured I would take a bus load of Accelerate leaders (a year-long leadership development course I teach) with me as a field trip-learning experience deal. So this past Tuesday night we went to Nashville to shoot.

So here’s the scoop…I HAD A BLAST…IT WAS AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE. I am totally serious…ask any of the 45 leaders I took with me…we had a great time. Matt & Laurie Crouch were just great…down to earth, kind, interesting, flexible, humble, etc. I was on with two great pastors Brady Cooper and Bishop Joe Walker. Bishop Walker had just done Steve McNair’s funeral live on ESPN & I heard he did a remarkable job. I could learn an awful lot from him.

The interview was free & unscripted. Matt & Laurie just wanted to advance the Church & the cause of Christ. The TBN staff (Donnie, Jennye, Russ, & all the others – really) were exceptionally helpful & capable. We were treated great & professionally. It was just a beautiful time. I hope TBN folks see this to hear QCC’s gratitude.

I believe God was honored…the Church was advanced…the word of God was clear…the Gospel was uncensored & millions & millions of people across the planet heard about the love of Christ that went to the cross in hopes of rescuing them & bringing them home to the Father. Fan-freakin’tastic night! I have heard that the show will air this Saturday Night July 18th at 5pm EST on TBN (Questers record it since it’s during church!!!)

It makes me wonder though…are there other people, ministries, churches, pastors, leaders, televangelists, etc…that I have misjudged from a distance simply because we appear different?