If you surf much around YouTube, you undoubtedly have run into the hilarious Improv Everywhere videos at least once or twice. The concept is that they flash mob a place with something that is completely out of the blue. Their initial famous video was the freeze frame in Grand Central station, but they have moved on to more elaborate stuff like orchestra performances on the street and the MP3 project.
It may seem like a radical statement for me to state that Christians need to be more like Improv Everywhere, but hear me out on this.
Here are four things that Christians can emulate from the Improv Everywhere team:
- Let creativity and your gifts flourish.
Christianity has always been unfortunately seen as suppressing ones talents, but the gifts that God gave you (even beyond the eloquent pastor and hipster worship leader) can be used for amazing things. Think outside of the box, challenge yourself to do more than just the basics, and let God be glorified in it. - Give people joy and hope.
This is Improv Everywhere’s greatest feature. When I watch their videos, I am always smiling. Unfortunately, Christianity is known for everything that we are against as opposed for what we are for. Be a light to this world, show them the peace, hope, and love of Christ, and lead them to the salvation of the Cross. - Include whole communities.
I probably could quit writing this article right now and go out to do some good, but I would be doing it alone. How amazing if I can put together a group of people who have a heart for feeding the homeless, serving teenagers, or writing blog articles all to spread the Good News? When we equip, encourage, and empower others, the reach has so much more vitality than just a single soul going out by themselves. - Be visible.
Improv Everywhere does not do what they do for the fame, but without the visibility, they would not be getting 4,000 person flash mobs. The visibility on YouTube, in major locations, and with extravegant performances allows for them to be seen and their message (“it’s about having fun”) is easily communicated.
What is the Church seen for and communicating?
How are you perpetuating it?
Now, for those of you that have never heard of Improve Everywhere (or love them enough to watch them, again), here are a couple of fun improves:
[tentblogger-youtube jwMj3PJDxuo]
[tentblogger-youtube Wwv_QLiDceg]
đŸ˜€
Ploter says
Funny, but i think Christians Should Be More Like Christ.
Curtis says
Doing crazy things with crowds was one of Christ’s favorite techniques. Turning water to wine at a wedding bash, feeding 5000 from a basket of food at the beach. Those were sorta like the flash mobs of Jesus’ time, and certainly generated a lot of buzz. Maybe being more like Christ is what the author is getting at?
Jeremy Smith says
Jesus did flash mobs? Love it! And yes, that is the point. đŸ™‚
Jeremy Smith says
No doubt, but the points made here reflect Christ well, wouldn’t you agree?