By E. L. Bynum Churches are facing a crisis today. Many of them are recognizing the need of doing something, but instead of returning to New Testament doctrine and practice, they are turning to cheap unscriptural methods. While this may seem to be the answer, it will spell the ruin of any church.
Contests are the fad of our day.
Many seem to be convinced that all progress in the Sunday school must be centered around some contest. There are many different kinds appearing all the time. This usually results in the church building being decorated with amateurish drawings and cut-outs, which look like a cross between a carnival and a kindergarten. There are a number of independent organizations operated by publicity experts, whose main business is to plan these contests and campaigns and then sell them to the churches. Along with the contests come the give aways.