Hoping the live animal they are using as a sermon illustration goes to the bathroom on stage.

Too specific?

Just me?

So be it, but that’s exactly what went through my head yesterday when they brought a goat on stage.

Right in the middle of the sermon, Pete Wilson had his oldest son lead one of their goats out.

Instantly the 5 year old version of me started taking bets on what they goat would do.

“Please, please goat kick an acoustic guitar!”

“Please use the bathroom in the middle of the sermon thus creating the greatest church instagram moment ever.”

“Please walk on your back legs for at least 6 Vine worthy seconds.”

“Please have a Nashville tattoo symbolizing music and faith and hope. Whatever the goat version of that is.”

Unfortunately, none of this happened. I asked Pete’s son later if the goat had been using the bathroom backstage. He said, “Oh yeah, like crazy!”

I knew he had it in him, but as far as animals go this one was pretty calm.

No one got bitten. No one got butted. No associate pastor had to follow him with a broom like the guy at parades.

No dinosaur ate the goat off a rope with a peg stuck into the ground a la Jurassic Park.

Are my expectations too high? Perhaps.

Has your church ever brought live animals into the service?