To the editor:

With respect to the megachurch article (“Big stakes in Lawrence,” Sept. 3), I would ask the Rev. Jerry Johnston to please stay in Overland Park. Lawrence does not need a megachurch. We have plenty of churches and choices already. Hopefully Lawrencians see through the flashy postcards. I’m talking about the ones with the romance novel-like illustrations of a white Jesus holding up an even whiter, chiseled, dare I say “Hunky” dude. I’m talking about the postcard with the beautifully designed “Little Saints” and youth ministry logos well positioned on the front. The postcard with the vague, but extremely positive messaging. The postcard with all the beautiful portraits of beautiful people on the back. The postcard that speaks of truth.

Last I checked, both Mark and Matthew had this to say, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”

How does that work with Johnston’s $7 million budget, his expensive suits, his enormous church (an acre in Lawrence runs about $15,000), the tax-free status, or the beautiful postcards?

I work for an advertising agency and I know marketing when I see it. Truth is, this is about marketing, not faith. Spend the money it will take to make and market your megachurch and take care of the people in New Orleans, Somalia, Iraq or a thousand other places – your millions would go a long way.

Jeff MacFarland,

Lawrence