It was a Sunday after church, and the pastor was alone
There were no more activities planned, everyone was headed home
There were no classes to teach, and no committees to chair
No parishioners wanted a visit, there was no sermon to prepare.

The pastor suddenly realized how rare this was in his life
He had a whole afternoon and evening before him to spend with his children and his wife.

And he asked:
Why can’t every Sunday be more like Super Bowl Sunday?
Why can’t we have one day of the week with our family and friends?
Just one day set apart to refresh our mind and soul—
Why can’t church be more like the Super Bowl?

Each worship could be preceded by a sort of pregame show,
With commentary and analysis to fill in the gaps in what we know
Then some entertainment and fireworks, and some people leading cheers
By the time we were ready to kick off worship, we’d be excited to the point of tears.

Why can’t every Sunday be more like Super Bowl Sunday?
Why can’t we expend just a little more effort when we come to worship God.
Just set our eyes on the prize, and press on toward the goal--
Why can’t church be more like the Super Bowl?

As you heard the stories of God at work, you’d be on the edge of your seat
You’d shout out loud, groan in despair, or leap up to your feet
If you were hungry there would be pizza, or nachos, or hot dogs, or buffalo wings
All the drinks would have to be non-alcoholic -- with kids there, it’s just one of those things.

Why can’t every Sunday be more like Super Bowl Sunday?
Why can’t we give God our total attention, and get emotionally involved?
Just open up our hearts and minds, let the Spirit make us whole--
Why can’t church be more like the Super Bowl?

Part way through we could take a break, and enjoy the half-time show
Maybe some famous celebrity giving a witness, and then singing a beautiful solo.
We’d all be in awe of the Holy Spirit, and swept up in the spiritual unction
And we’d all be watching carefully for any G-rated, family-friendly wardrobe malfunction.

Why can’t every Sunday be more like Super Bowl Sunday?
Why can’t we have a little bit of fun, along with the main event?
Just give me some jazz or country or opera or Bach or rock ‘n’ roll
Why can’t church be more like the Super Bowl?

We will read the words of the apostle Paul, Vince Lombardi and Don Shula.
Can I get an amen from the crowd? Can I hear a hallelujah?

As our worship draws to a close we will sense that victory is near
Christ paid the penalty for our defensive pass interference, and His love has brought us here
Then, as a part of our celebration, and a way to move things along faster,
At some point in the sermon we could sneak up and pour Gatorade over the head of the pastor.

Why can’t every Sunday be more like Super Bowl Sunday?
Why can’t we have one day of the week to relax and celebrate?
Just add a line item in the budget for security and crowd control—
Why can’t church be more like the Super Bowl?
Why can’t church be more like the Super Bowl?

(c) 2008  David Golden