10 Lessons for the Church from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

By Dustin Serns

I recently watched The Grinch and thought it had some incredible applications for the church reflected through what happened in Whoville.

1. Why the Grinch left Whoville—The reason people disconnect from the church is often because of the behavior of the church just as much as their own behavior (i.e. they were not treated kindly by someone(s) or did not feel accepted).

2. Why the Grinch hated Whoville—People who criticize the church are often seeking to medicate their pain and loneliness (but bitterness never leads to healing).

3. Why Whoville was afraid of the Grinch—People inside the church can fear certain kinds of people outside the church if they don’t know them. (When church members stop listening to what people say about outsiders and start listening to outsiders, fear can turn into love).

4. How the Grinch was reintroduced back into Whoville—It often only takes one persistently kind and courageous person from the church to reclaim someone who has left.

5. How Whoville rediscovered the meaning of Christmas—The church needs the perspective of those who are not part of it to help them critique their traditions and values in light of truth and love.

6. The mayor’s resistance to cultural renewal in Whoville—Confronting cultural traditions will make some inside the church feel uncomfortable so some outside the church can feel comfortable.

7. How Whoville came to accept the Grinch—When relationships are valued over cultural traditions, the church becomes ready to embrace people who are not yet part of it.

8. How Whoville celebrated the Grinch’s return (i.e. the Grinch carved the roast beast at the feast)—It is significant how the church celebrates when new members join (or re-join) their community. The church needs to give meaningful roles for new members to experience belonging through contributing to the mission.

9. When Whoville reclaims the Grinch, they also reclaim his friend, Max the dog—When the church lovingly reaches/reclaims people from the community, new members often bring their friends with them.

10. Cindy Lou went from being a marginalized member without influence or status to being defended and celebrated—The church must work to elevate the influence of those most actively involved in the mission of disciple-making through defending, empowering and celebrating them. Their voices need to become valued above the strongest opinions, biggest givers and longest tenures.

“The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). May Jesus give each of us a heart like Cindy Lou. As we participate with Jesus in His mission, we will witness greater transformations and greater celebrations than we ever imagined! Every heart we see changed will change our hearts too.

Application: What lessons do you see from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas? Why not try facilitating a discussion with your family or your youth group about it?

Tip: Keep conversations personal, practical, and constructive so everyone maintains ownership to be part of the solution.

Dustin Serns pastors the LifeBridge Adventist Church in Tacoma, Washington.