To draw parishioners, church to give away car

CANTON (AP) -- Helping fill the church pews could help put one church's lucky parishioner in the driver's seat.
To attract and retain members, the senior pastor at Cathedral of Life church in Plain Township will give away a car at the Easter service. The Rev. M. Dana Gammill said the new people he'll reach are more important than any criticism he might receive.
"The idea is to develop character," he said.
The winner of the late 1990s Kia sedan will be chosen from 125 entries, the names of church members who brought at least 10 visitors to services in recent weeks and the visitors themselves. Entrants must attend to win.
The giveaway is the culmination of a five-week sermon series about character and responsibility -- "When Can I have the Keys? Character Matters."
"I've been wanting to do a series on character building for some time," the Rev. Mr. Gammill said. "The car idea was twofold. One, to get people to bring others to church. The other idea is, there may be people who need a car."
Mr. Gammill, who paid for the car, sees parallels to car ownership and life.
"To drive a car, you have to have a driver's license, you have to have proof of insurance and you have to do maintenance. The same principles apply in life and in the kingdom of God."
You have to maintain your spiritual walk with God."