The evangelical church has gone through several phases since the Super Bowl started taking place right in the middle of the traditional Sunday night service.
Phase 1 (1980s): You are a bad Christian if you even think about skipping Sunday night service to watch the Super Bowl.
Phase 2 (early 1990s): We will all watch the Super Bowl at the church. This will include a potluck, youth fundraiser, and technical difficulties.
Phase 3 (late 1990s): Watch the Super Bowl with a group from the church, but you have to turn it off and do a devotional at half time.
Phase 4a (late 2000s): Watch the Super Bowl at home, but don’t enjoy it too much. Don’t get used to skipping church!
Phase 4b (late 2000s): The weekly Sunday night service is eliminated. (See the correlation to Phase 4a)
Phase 5 (early 2010s). Make the Sunday morning worship service to the Almighty God revolve around a Super Bowl theme. 🙂Worship team, buy your favorite NFL jersey to wear on stage.
Phase 6 (late 2010s): Skip church all day, because it’s Super Bowl Sunday.
* Disclaimer: I had fun writing this post. It was not meant for pastoral direction or cultural critique.
Aaron's Angle 