In 2005 Craig Gross and Mike Foster debuted their documentary, “Missionary Positions,” and began talking in local churches about pornography and the problems they believe it creates in people’s lives. These experiences were marketed as “Porn Sundays” and later became the foundation for an annual National Porn Sunday. To date, over 300 congregations have participated in this event.
In 2011, National Porn Sunday has been moved to February 6 to coincide with the Super Bowl. For those uncertain what the event is all about, the site explains:
This is the chance to bring hope to those who are struggling with pornography. For some it is ludicrous to link three X’s with church and for others it is long overdue. The one undeniable truth that can’t be ignored is the blatant push for all things sexual in our society. Porn Sunday seeks to drive the conversation about pornography into our churches, families and lives. This weekend service brings healing to those sitting in churches who are caught up in pornography.
When congregations register to host an event, they receive “The Porn Sunday Manual” and are offered the option of streaming or downloading a “30 minute message featuring Craig Gross along with several other professional football players speaking about the issue of pornography.” You can watch the 2011 trailer promo video here.
To learn more about Craig Gross, visit his website, read his blog, friend him on facebook, follow him on twitter.
So What?
Moving National Porn Sunday to Super Bowl Sunday and involving multiple professional football players is a strategic way to maximize the impact and increase participation rates. Will your congregation participate in National Porn Sunday in 2011? If so, share how your congregation gets involved. If not, what are the primary reasons you don’t feel this event is a good fit for your congregation? Whether or not you participate in this event, how do you provide education (average age at first exposure is 11), offer support, and ensure that this and other sensitive topics are explored (not ignored) in ways that are appropriate to your context and faithful to your tradition?
Pornography is big business. Consider these statistics:
- $12 billion a year industry in the United States ($57 billion globally)
- 4.2 million pornographic websites
- 25% of daily search engine requests are for pornography