Do churches in America really offer free ice cream to kids?

Question

I take it bribery is not a sin?

http://www.churchmarketingsucks.com/archives/2005/08/church_ice_crea.html

Answer 1

Uh, no. Do you also believe that all of America's streets are paved with gold? (Early immigrants believed that one).

**EDIT**
Oh ok. Pardon me. So, because one website called "Church Marketing Sucks" found one tip about one church that was giving away free ice cream, that means ALL the churches in America do it.
Are all Europeans as narrow-minded as you?

Answer 2

Hey we give free coffee to the parents so it is only fair to amp up the kids as well.

Actually my home church does pass out free ice cream at the annual Memorial Day picnic. The youth pastor may have it for some events as well. There are root beer floats for the Awana Grand Prix and similar events. But this is not just for the little children; the adults seem to like them as well. The children’s ministry does try to make sure that the parents are aware of what is being served and if there would be any problems with it. There are so many people with allergies to different foods and additives (let alone the sugar or caffeine highs) that some caution is needed.

Is it a bribe? Not really. Food and small toys are often given out as rewards for memorizing Bible verses or showing good judgment. We also make sure we feed our adult volunteers. That doesn’t mean we are bribing them, just a token of appreciation.
We also provide meals to the elderly and homeless. And sometimes they get Ice Cream

Answer 3

Ummm...Churches in America offer different things..I have never been to a church that offered free ice cream to children... And I am assuming it wouldn't be bribery if you are offering something free to a child...It is the parents ultimate decision to decide if their child will attend church or not..Churches usually provide to the community anyways...that is what the Lord taught us to give unto others...=]

Answer 4

dont know where you heard that. offer and bribe by the way are two different things. kids go to church cuz they are taken there by adults anyway, and doubtful that children have a choice in the matter<< saying prayers, being good in exchange for the hope of going to Heaven...oh, dear!!

Answer 5

Yes some churches do. For instance my church takes us to a place called "HOLIDAY HILLS" in Connecticut. and we eat all day and the children dont have to pay for anything and we have servers. However the parents pay when paying for the tickets. And no we're not bribing the children. Theres and organization called Yogi Bear which uses food to get the children to come in but one has to reach out on some level to spread the gospel. Doesnt it say to feed them then preach the gospel?

Answer 6

I was never offered ice cream.

I didn't go to church as often as most little Christian girls did either.

It's a fair deal, then, I guess.

Sorry I couldn't answer your question... I'm going to say, no, they don't. Because to me, bribery is a sin.

Answer 7

Mine certainly doesn't (unless it's the annual ice cream social.) And offering things freely is not bribery, as far as I know.

Answer 8

none of the churches around here do that.... i wouldnt even look at it as bribery though... we just empty our pockets to churches so why cant kids get ice cream?

Answer 9

Many churches in America offer free counseling, lovies, money, shelter, food, clothing, job searches, car repairs, financial bill help (pay utility bills), etc Not sure about ice cream though...

Answer 10

Sometimes some do Jesus offered free ice cream to kids that's how he fed the multitudes.