The Sermon of the Mouse

"Thank you for inviting me to come to your church. I thought about it and realised that maybe Disneyland and the Church do have a lot in common. And as i began to organise my thoughts, i saw how ingenious it was to invite me to share. I really believe that if your church were to apply our principles, you could become as successful as Disneyland.


First, make sure your enterprise seems exciting, even dangerous-but be quick to let your people know that there really is no danger involved. Give the illusion of great risk, but make sure everything is perfectly safe.



Second, admit you are in the entertainment business. People won't care what you say as long as they're entertained. Keep your people happy. Don't give them anything negative.And don't make demands on them. Just keep them diverted from the ugly realities of today's world, and they will keep coming back for more.



Third, make everything look religious. Make the religious experience so intricate , so complex that only the professionals can pull it off while all the laypeople stand around watching with their mouth open. Just as people would rather watch a mechanical bird sing on cue, so they would rather watch an elaborate worship than participate in worshipping.



Fourth and finally, pretend that there are no problems. At Disneyland we dress our security guards up as smiling rabbits or friendly bears because we don't want anyone's experience to be ruined by the sight of law enforcement personnel. disguise your problems behind a warm smile and a firm handshake. Leave your troubles at home, and let the church be a happy place of friendly pastors and smiling deacons.



People today want good clean entertainment and they want an environment that is safe for children, family and friends. I am so glad to see that the church is moving in this direction. Thank you."