The Full House Message Resolution Method

What does Danny Tanner and your pastor have in common?

Probably more than you think.

Growing up I loved the sitcom Full House. I saw every episode including the disappointing finale.

No one ever really grows out of their favorite childhood shows. But I was forced to leave the syndicated show behind.

In high school, by happenstance, I busted one of my best friends for watching the show.

High school guys aren't supposed to watch shows like this unless they have a cover (little sister, cousin, niece, etc.). So it was my duty to harass him about it. I blame him for putting me in that situation. How rude?

For years I couldn't watch the show for fear of retribution. Until I was given an exception with my munchkins coming of age and showing interest in the show.

Now we watch an episode before going to bed almost every night.

But did you know that Full House has influenced the church service?

It's called the Full House Message Resolution Method. 

Something happens like clockwork on every single episode.

Right after the climax, when the Tanner family is resolving the conflict, mood music starts playing in the background. You know things are about to end with a warm fuzzy feeling. Tears will be shed and hugs will be shared.

Historically speaking, pre-Full House era, churches played music during the altar call (actually, Just As I Am verses one thru four, seven, and forty-four).

But post-Full House era, the background music started being played at the end of the message, when pastors carefully craft the message resolve.

Just like the sitcom, the background music sets the mood. You know that the characters are about to share a special moment.

You know it's coming when the pastor hits the fourth point on the outline.

The worship pastor appears out of the mist of the first chord being played.

Once the keys or strings start being played, you start wondering, "What's wrong with me? Is he talking about me? Wow Jesus must really love me!"

The preacher's voice becomes sweeter than your mother's.

Preachers understand that everything sounds better with music being played in the background. They might be up there saying "Watermelon" and we wouldn't know any different.

To this day, we don't know if the Full House writers were actually that good or not. I assume they were like, "Throw some music behind it and no one will notice the dialogue."

Think about the power of music. It makes an elevator ride more pleasant and even can make coffee taste better.

Pastors are smart for implementing this strategy.

The music creates a reflective atmosphere, which is good to have in church. It also communicates to the bladder to know that the service is almost over.

Question:
Does your church use the Full House Message Resolution Method? Just to let you know, I resisted all urges to work in the catch phrase, "You got it dude!"