After thirty four Final Four NCAA basketball television broadcasts, Billy Packer will not be on the call this year.  He was released from CBS sports last year after twenty seven years.  He is probably one of the best strategists in the game; his knowledge and insights are right on the mark.  He knows the game, he offers depth, and he does so in a no-nonsense kind of way.  One interview with him recently reported that he never wanted his commentary to get in the way of the game!  He always wanted his analysis and commentary to enhance the action on the court not take away from it.

Noble, I’d say; yet, he was still fired.  The reason CBS gave is that he wasn’t entertaining enough!  Which translates, ESPN is killing our ratings with folks like Dick y V, Digger, and Bob Knight!  (All the same generation as Packer!)  Billy Packer is depth without hype.  I love watching those guys on ESPN hoot and holler and fuss with one another.  Sometimes they even have good analysis.  But hearing, “You better get a T-O babeeeee!” rarely gives me insight into why!  Whether you like Billy Packer or not, his analysis and comments were insightful and informing.

Seems to me that many churches today are looking more for the hype and less for the depth.  Seems to me that many churches today are looking to “beat” their competition and keep their “consumers” satisfied.  Seems to me that many churches are much ado about “the show” and their “ratings”.  Seems to me, that is a mistake!

Jesus on the Cross was NOT a public relations spectacle!  The Resurrection of Jesus was NOT a grand marketing plan!  The ministry of Jesus was not flashy, had no publicist on staff, did not focus on the multitudes.  Jesus eventually told the multitudes to “feed themselves”!   The ministry of Jesus responded with in-depth analysis and response to the hurting human condition.

People who come to Easter services this year, come asking, “Do I have value in this world?  Can I contribute to this world?  Can your Jesus help me cope?”  I hope we can answer them lovingly and without the hype.  They only come once or twice a year, we have to offer them substance, not fluff!  We have to offer them meaningful relationships not virtual ones!  CBS Sports would disagree, probably so do many of our church leaders.  By the way, ratings for the NCAA tourney have been down this year!