God Spare Channel 4

Netscape.co.uk - Entertainment
This is one of the main stories on Netscape this morning; I couldn't believe the crassness of whoever at Channel 4 chose the working title Priest Idol for a new series due on air late next year which aims to find a new vicar for a flagging church in Barnsley.
Whatever the merits of the show, in the case of "Priest" and "Idol", surely ne'er the twain should meet? According to the Torygraph the Bishop of Wakefield has misgivings about the title: I'm not surprised! I think even Channel 4 would have more sense than to use that as an actual on-air title. It's surely a very sad sign of the times, of our society which while claiming not to be Godless, has so little knowledge of the basics of the Ten Commandments, at least if this unknown individual's choice of heading is anything to go by. Please God they will garner some understanding and even faith as they put the programme together- and that the eventual "winner" is His choice, not that of the TV ratings. May this opportunity prove to be, as the bishop has suggested, "a gift"
Yes, everyone wants a minister, pastor or priest with personality and a way with people. It's probably a pre-requisite of the job, though I must admit I've met a few ladies and gentleman of the cloth whose pewside manner left something to be desired. A growing church is an inspiration, and a service is all the more to be savoured if the minister knows how to put the gospel across in an interesting and relevant manner. This was particularly the case at Christ Church on Sunday when it was wonderful to see the church filled with all ages for the baptism of triplets and another precious child. John did a great job and a great illustrated "sermon" wearing a whole variety of hats from a Rolf-Harris type get up to a disco dancing tinsel wig. At least he's not afraid of looking silly and it got the message across well I thought. He certainly makes a good children's entertainer. But make idols of God's servants? Mmm, it's a very slippery slope.