Love it or loathe it, we live in a culture in which famous people are idolised, often for reasons which remain far from obvious. Seven million Britons tuned in faithfully every Sunday night to watch the jungle-based antics of “I’m a celebrity get me out of here”.
While it might be tempting to lapse into cultural snobbery and write an article about turning off the TV and spending our evenings rejoicing in leather-bound tomes of classic literature, it might not only be unrealistic – but would be less productive than thinking about how we might actually leverage our culture for the gospel.
Some churches in Aberdeen did exactly this. They invited ex-Chelsea and Newcastle United footballer, TV pundit Gavin Peacock to come and give a talk about his faith. Older, retired players are often the most mature and helpful speakers. They held the event in the function suite at Pitoddrie (The Aberdeen Football Club stadium) to make it an easy-ask for non-Christian people. The churches covered the costs of the event and bought tickets by the table, to which they invited their friends. With BBC Scotland football commentator (and Christian) Kenny Crawford hosting the evening, it was a popular and well-attended event.
Gavin Peacock told lots of football-based anecdotes which the crowd enjoyed, but he skilfully wove stories of his faith throughout his presentation too, not least when he talked about the personal suffering his family has been through.
One pastor invited the chairman of Aberdeen FC to come to the event, which he did. One especially avid Aberdeen fan, who is an elder in one of the supporting churches, invited four of his football mates—who all came along. It was an event that was an ‘easy ask’ for this community. He has subsequently had two lesser-known footballers speak to the church’s annual soccer-school.
If you are prepared to do a little research, there are many interesting people in the worlds of sport, music, entertainment, science, the arts, business and politics who are open about their Christian faith. Why not consider doing what the Aberdeen churches did with Gavin Peacock, and use their social capital as a bridge to the gospel?
Pray: Father, thank you for public figures who are prepared to speak out for you. Please help me to bring their voice to my community.
Previously: Launch Pad #29 Question at The Pub
