WE'RE SORRY

Tuesday we head for Las Vegas for the AVN Adult Expo. January 9th marks six years for XXXchurch.com. Send all birthday cards to the PO Box.

We have learned a lot over the six years with XXXchurch. We have met a lot of people and come across a lot of things that have hurt. Our story has inspired others to do things. Some knock off our ideas and create look a like events to help churches talk about porn. Some use our slogans and ideas and create their own events or so called movements. Some use their time with us to try and strike a deal or launch a solo career. Some just like being associated with what we do but don't want to do any of the work that needs to be done.

We are excited about the show and praying for great things to come. We are worried about Las Vegas becauase there are 5 ministries that are doing some form of outreach next week at the show. Some are putting out request for volunteers on their Myspace. Some are stating that they need bodyguards and scaring people about the people that they might encounter. Some have so much hate for the industry that their motives in going are driven by hate not love. We have groups that are walking outside the show, some groups that have booths, and some that plan to just walk the show and bombard people with tracks and propoganda. And I am sure there will be the picketers. My friend Heather and I talked this week and we just decided to say something. Heather lives in Vegas and reaches out to females in the industry. She and her friend Annie will be joining us at this years show. What we would like to say is "Sorry". Sorry to those of you who will encounter groups and people next week that will not sound and do things like the Jesus they claim to be associated with. Please know that although we all speak of Jesus we are not all the same. We know this is very confusing to people to see so many different groups sending so many different messages and for that we apologize. We hope that you have seen over the years what are true intentions are and that we really do believe Jesus loves you and we share that same love for you as well.

Craig

P.S. Thank you to the promoters of all the shows we have been to. Thank you for inviting us back year after year.

Joel wrote on January 6th 08 at 06:37PM

Reads a bit like Donald Miller's 'Confession Booth' in Blue Like Jazz...

Those 'picketers' and 'knock-offs' need love too.

forgiven wrote on January 6th 08 at 06:58PM

Why be sorry.. I have done a bunch of things to tell people about Jesus.. There were a bunch of people that said I was doing it all wrong.. I like the yellers.. I like the quite people.. I like the crazy nuts.. Let people picket.. Let people scream.. They are doing it because they love Jesus.. Please do not start holding court on what is correct and not correct on how to witness for Jesus.. My grandma said, "Why do you sound so mad, or loud".. If I waited on people to give me permission to talk about Jesus then I would never end up talking.. Get crazy.. Picket.. Burn stuff up.. Tear the roof off.. Obey the Laws of the Land.. Jesus was crazy man.. He did things that were righteos.. They called him crazy.. They called him a wild man.. Have respect for the same class of people who might get wild at the porn convention.. I am sick of porn.. It does not mean those crazy dudes are off track.. They are on track.. I am sure right still has respect for right.. Let God make room for the fun that is going to happen.. I hate porn..
I about bought the lie and made it stick. I say to myself.."God gave women to man" "Man is away from a women and needs company" God gave camera.. "Now man has women all the time in a picture".. Then I said Jonathan.. That is a lie.. Burn the picture.. Burn the camera.. Forget the alone time.. You got me... You got work.. You got people you see passing.. Adam did not have anybody.. Burn the camera.. Burn the picture.. Burn Porn.. Burn Porn.. Burn Porn.. Burn Porn.. Burn Porn.. Burn Porn.

Jonathan wrote on January 6th 08 at 07:04PM

B U R N

Michael wrote on January 6th 08 at 07:40PM

People at XXXChurch. I think that is a great message. I totally agree that there are those that are their for all the wrong reasons and it is so frustrating. But, praise be to God that his purpose will be accomplished despite what others do. It is the love they see in you (which is Christ) that will win them over. And as you apologize I am sure it will create a dialoge and a bridge to their heart.

Michael
www.the-confessions-of-a-porn-addict.blogspot.com

Aaron wrote on January 6th 08 at 07:49PM

yeah guys,

don't get all apologetic just because other people are stealing your ideas and trying to do the same thing.. think of it as a good thing thinking like, hey, we're doing something right other people are trying to emulate us.

and yeah the bible talks about in the new testament or whatever that soooooooo many people came to hear jesus talk and DO all these amazing things..becaues it looked awesome and attractive.

but when it came time for people to accept who jesus was and what he died for, they couldn't handle it.

there ARE people who are going to take advantage of your porn ministry to actually get into porn and use it for their own means...you know what, let 'em. if they want to slowly ruin their lives, thats their choice. but at least they were presented with the truth and a choice FIRST!!

Aaron wrote on January 6th 08 at 07:55PM

regarding getting into the industry...

thats something i think about alot is...that people will actually be enticed to get INTO the industry when they see your stuff. but they always have a choice. so try not to get too down on yourselves.

Brandon wrote on January 6th 08 at 08:58PM

Craig,

I thank you with everything in me for this ministry! I am so glad that you guys (and gals) are at the porn shows showing what real love is. I am praying with you all that God will allow the other "ministries" to see what real Jesus freaks look like. Thank you for helping me to break my addiction to porn. You guys show Vegas how friekin' awesome Jesus really is!

Brandon

James wrote on January 6th 08 at 09:59PM

I understand that you have some fears about everything that you all have worked towards could be undermined, but The Lord uses everything and after the show is done maybe the people you are trying to reach may see what Craig and xxx stand for and be drawn closer than you can Imagine right now!

One weekend with you two years ago has changed my life Craig! God Bless you and your Ministry!

Hutch wrote on January 7th 08 at 12:22AM

i don't think they were condemning the knock-off's of their ministry they are simply looking at the movement and Change they have inspired over the last six years. what they are worried about is people trying to do what they do without showing the love that they show to the people of the industry. see love is the answer. in fact i believe there is something in the bible that says "the greatest of these is love" i may be out of context or i may not have a proper exegetical outlook on this scripture. but to me that is saying yeah there are a lot of ways to preach jesus. you can talk about the hope or the faith or the judgment or the fear or the power, or the humility, or the righteousness of God. but the best way... the best way is love

VtotheD wrote on January 7th 08 at 01:23AM

I feel like the perspective offered here is true. Look at what Paul has to say on a similar matter:

Phillipians 1:12-18

"Now I would have you know, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel; so that my bonds became manifest in Christ throughout the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest; and that most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: the one do it of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel; but the other proclaim Christ of faction, not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds. What then? only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and therein I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice."

Kathy wrote on January 7th 08 at 02:00AM

I have to agree with the perspective of dealing with everything and everyone with the love of Jesus and not the condemnation, criticism, judgement that some very well meaning people do. I try to approach it that way, but sometimes struggle with it myself. It is only when we take ourselves out of it, humble ourselves, and let God work through us, that we are able to truly deal with this issue with love.

Nic wrote on January 7th 08 at 05:40AM

I cant help but comment. And I just want to say... Thankyou! You guys are doing a great job getting The Word out! Doing as Jesus did. At the same time so amazed that all of you in xxxchurch stand your ground despite harsh persecution from christians and non-christians! Many of us are supporting you here in the Philippines, and we would like to see you guys come. Anyway, thanks so much for really stepping out of ur comfort zones and bringing this to light! Thankyou TRUE followers of Christ! :)

Nic

Clint wrote on January 7th 08 at 10:12AM

Happy Birthday (it's mine too). Words cannot express how thankful I am for your ministry. You guys are really inspiring - both for people who intelligently use what you offer and unfortunately also for those who aren't intelligent with their use. I hope they don't give you too much trouble. Blessings.

Superhands wrote on January 7th 08 at 04:06PM

I see exactly where Craig is coming from...a real worry here is that these, I'm sure well intentioned groups will make the organisers re think allowing any Christian stands in the show, which would be a disaster.

Jesusez Freak wrote on January 7th 08 at 05:28PM

I pray Spirit of God is in charge and evident in this week in Vegas - and NO WEAPON formed against any of Christ's saints/servants shall prosper.

"Finally, ALL [of you] should be of one and the same mind (united in spirit), sympathizing [with one another], loving [each other] as brethren [of one household], compassionate and courteous (tenderhearted and humble)." 1 Peter 3:8

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

To GOD be the glory forever and ever. AMEN!

Jeff wrote on January 7th 08 at 05:33PM

Wow, does that ever read as self-righteous and holier-than-thou...

Michelle wrote on January 7th 08 at 09:05PM

No, it reads as if it is coming from someone who has given their life to reach out and not scare away and scare off those who need to be loved the most right where they are. It reads to me as coming from someone who doesn't want to see those who they go to reach out to offended when others (who are supposed to be of the "same household") speak as if those they are outreaching to are so dirty, filthy and horrible that they need to be "protected" as they "outreach" to them. Why bother?

David wrote on January 7th 08 at 09:05PM

God Bless XXXCHURCH.

John A. Ellis wrote on January 7th 08 at 11:00PM

To all at XXX church... my first exposure to you folks was actually at a Pax 217 concert... gosh... who knows how long ago? Case in point, though, is how I am responding to this blog now...(still at LEAST eight years later, now that I do the math) I looked up the site, and was amazed... since then, I have been to a Porn Sunday, and LOVE the services you offer so many all over the country (and now the world)! I completely agree with what you are saying regarding the conflict in messages. Even Christ himself spoke of these groups of people while teaching. Their purposes might be right, but the motives and method are all wrong, even though, at times, they do not even know that this is the case. I am confident that you have no opposition at all to any groups who will be there with exactly the same motives and desires as you... in fact, Im sure youd try to team up with them.... In short, I just want to say congrats on your motives and desires to serve, surely it will never be wasted!

Blessings,

John, in PA

pjo wrote on January 8th 08 at 09:38AM

oh my goodness!! Where is the love. How sad that we let the enemy cause division. It hurts my heart to see strife amongst believers. We need to open our eyes to the truth. Why does xxxchurch think that they should be the only ministry representing Jesus at this convention? Dont you think that all ministries can be effective in there own way? I used to strip, escort and was addicted to porn. xxxchurch has been very effective in my life. But, so have many other ministries. Cant we all just get along??

Bmac wrote on January 8th 08 at 11:12AM

I really don't think XXXchurch wants all other ministries that deal with this issue to cease. The issue on hand is how "some" people & ministries handle them selves with the issue. If you yell at someone and call them a whore your not handling the issue right. If you trap people and force them to hear what you have to say, you’re not handling it correctly either. You need to be the face of Christ and provide compassion, love and show them that you actually care for them as a person. My own opinion is that there has been six years of tough work done to earn the trust that XXXchurch has made with this industry. Like most of religion when one thing Bad happens no matter if it was one person or group the blame falls on all. This would be a huge blow to XXXchurch if that were to happen. Not saying that it will but, I can defiantly see some cause for concern.

craig wrote on January 8th 08 at 10:28PM

This is not about getting along. This is about people using Jesus' name to destroy his message. Ron Jeremy called me last night and said to me who the f$%$ is.... and proceeded to ask if we are taking part in some of these events. I assured him we were not and would do what we always do there. He was relieved and excited to see us all but he said this has the industry talking quite a bit.

Poor Mordecai wrote on January 9th 08 at 09:13AM

This thread is very interesting. There is a lot of different positions and what I would like to add is this. The other ministries have a right to be there and scream and shout. They can picket, accuse, and "burn porn burn porn burn porn."

If you were in the industry and someone came up to you and said, "YOU ARE WRONG AND A SINNER AND ARE GOING TO HELL!!!! TURN FROM PORN NOW!!!," would you care to hear why? If we are preaching conviction with vengeance and hate, are they going to care what else we have to say about Christ?

If we speak in tounges of angels and have not love, are we not only a resounding gong?

Paul says that he, "becomes all things to all men so that BY ALL MEANS POSSIBLE [he] may save some." 1 Cor 9:2.

God can still use "burn porn burn porn burn porn" but the lanuage of love is lost if that is your outreach method. I'll bet x3 church would love to see porn burn and be wiped away, but the language MUST BE LOVE. That is the reason why x3 church has been so effective. And in turn, isn't the message of Christ made effective to us because of love? Grace?

pjo wrote on January 9th 08 at 12:34PM

I have not heard about any ministries using this approach to share Jesus. For good reason God does not have me in the loop. I will be in Vegas this weekend sharing the love of Jesus. My eyes im sure will be opened to many things. I just pray that we can just show love to all. Including the parties you are talking about. Thats what Jesus would do.

Melanie wrote on April 20th 08 at 09:26PM

I think Kathy below said it best.

This really isn't about "us", its about Jesus Christ. Its His ministry, is it not? If He is not in it, then it is Craig Gross' ministry. Really though, as much as I support your ministry, isn't it true that Jesus spoke more about hell than He did heaven. Not that we should spit "hell" in peoples faces, quite the contrary. I just don't understand why so many ministries today either talk only about love or only about hell. Both are really incorrect, IMO. Gods word does not return void. I think its important to have the word of God written in our hearts, not to beat people over the head with King James english, but to be speaking the truth in love to all that we encounter.