I saw a few weeks ago that Eddie Murphy has
been asked to host the 2012 Oscars. Organizers hope that his presence
will increase ratings. Earlier this year, Anne Hathaway and James Franco hosted
the gala—an appeal to younger viewers.
As
we grow closer to the broadcast date, more articles will appear detailing the
challenges that producers face increasing ratings. Typically, these challenges
concern a dilemma: how do we reduce the length of time of the show vs. how do
we attract more viewers.
Every
new idea increases the length of the broadcast. Unfortunately, the present
broadcast is not drawing enough viewers, so what can be added to pique the
attention of someone who would not normally watch the show?
Newspaper
and magazines will detail the internal debate: “Should we cut the choreography
or add new dance numbers?” “How do
we get the award winners to reduce the time of their acceptance speeches?” “What if we get Billy Crystal to host—he
was fantastic back in the 90s?”
Recently,
it dawned on me. I have heard church members raise many of the same questions.
Well, maybe not how many choreography numbers a church needs for its Sunday
worship service, but addressing some of the same issues. Instead of “How can we
increase the amount of viewers?”, the question in churches is, “How can we
increase attendance?”
Ideas
will surface: “Let’s have a communion talk.” “Let’s increase the number of songs we sing.” “Let’s shorten the sermon.” “Let’s have an elder wrap-up.” “Let’s sing only contemporary songs.”….
Certainly, nothing is wrong with addressing the strategy of our public
assemblies. Actually, that is a
good idea.
I
do find it interesting, though, that in The Academy Awards, the
participants seem to buy-in fully to the experience. It is the spectators that
appear to be difficult to attract.
Hmm.
I wonder if the same is true regarding our Sunday assemblies.
Five Things
I Think I Think
(with a nod
to Peter King for this idea)
1. I expected OU to win last week, but not by that much.
2. The Texas Rangers are up 1-0 in the ALCS. Why do I not
rest easy? As I watch, the Rangers lead 2-0 in Game 2, and Derek Holland just
walked the Detroit batboy.
3. Keith Dunnavant is a good writer—having written a
marvelous biography of the great football coach, Bear Bryant. Now he’s come out
with a new biography on Bart Starr. The book is called AMERICA’S QUARTERBACK:
BART STARR AND THE RISE OF THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE. I’ve almost completed
the first hundred pages. It’s a good book, which is saying something for a
Dallas Cowboy fan. Bart Starr broke my heart in the 1960s.
4. I have a soft spot in my heart for the old classics.
I’m taking today off to be with my three youngest kids (they’re out of school
for Columbus Day.) One thing we did was watch ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET
FRANKENSTEIN. The Wolfman was played by movie great, Lon Chaney. Celebrated
actor Bela Lugosi portrayed Dracula. Of course, Abbott and Costello are legends
in the movie business. We laughed a lot—a fun movie.
5. My oldest child arrives home, Lord willing, later this
week for Fall Break. We all look forward to this visit.
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