Apr. 6, 2008 - Where's the Balance?
I don't know if anyone else has encountered this in church life across America, but I have been thinking and thinking on what it means to reach out to a post-modern generation and what that looks like exactly. I have heard such a scramble to change this and change that- we've got to be MORE hip, MORE current, MORE today. Does that ring a bell with anyone?
I know that God does expect us to step outside our comfort zones. We will definitely have to extend ourselves and try to identify with the people we want to reach. And I want to do that. I also believe strongly that whatever we offer the Lord should be our very best effort. Whatever we do at church should not be lazy. And I have definitely seen the mentality of expecting God's anointing to fill those places of zero preparation, no practice, no planning or forethought. And while God certainly does prove Himself strong in our weaknesses and fill our frailties, it never brings Him glory when we don't do our part of what He has for us.
But it seems to me like perhaps the pendulum has swung too far in the other direction. I've heard of whole conferences on how to make your church more hip, younger, more urban. I'm sure their hearts are about being a witness for God, but it seems like there's much worldliness in this view. I know that a church with good music, a wonderful children's program, a really happening youth department may indeed attract people who would not otherwise go to church. But in my opinion, this can never, ever replace the basics. People respond to love, not programs. Just because you're the slickest show in town, that may or may not indicate a higher level of caring, servanthood, and authenticity. Christ called us to be the last three items on that list, not used car salesman, with a bad toupee slick. We can have the best programs imagineable, but if we're not living according to these verses, then we've put the cart before the horse.
"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." John 12:32
"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16
"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35
Every time I hear the spiel about how horrible it is if we're "stuck in the 80's (be sure to insert the proper degree of whining to achieve the implied effect), I think of these verses and think about the ways Jesus changed the world. He had twelve men that he poured Himself into- and they were not the jet-set, to be sure. His ministry was anything but glitzy, showy, or glamorous. He served all the way to the cross- even to the point of tasks of abject slavery- and that's exactly what He told us to do in no uncertain terms. I haven't read anywhere that He commanded us to be the coolest, the hippest, the trendiest. He told us to Love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We must do this first- not be centered on glitz and glam!
It is a paradox: Be concerned about excellence in all you do. But when it comes down to it, it's your heart that really matters, not the stuff. I believe BOTH matter to God... Both/and; not either/or. What are your feelings and experiences in this matter? Is anyone else noticing or being challenged by this new trend that is developing? Is anyone else encountering this? Or is it just in the circles that I am in? I just wanted to air my opinions on this. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Peace,
Kim
Comments
Apr. 7, 2008 - I'm with you
Posted by belindaletchford
Sure I think it is a trend - I think we will see the repercussions of this trend as well, where folk are not as grounded in the scriptures and soon things will crumble.
At the same time we do need to be relevant people. But relevant people isn't about being cool, about being in fashion. It is about having answers to the life struggles that people face. Jesus had answers. With the Holy Spirits help we too should be having answers - we should be out at the front in the community, serving people, helping them. Through this serving attitude we will reach people.
Good post!
Belinda
Apr. 7, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by nikkisimcox
I agree that we will see the fruits of this trend. It's so discouraging and irritating to listen to preachers in the pulpit giving everyone a "feel good" message just to raise attendance and stuff like that. The Truth is getting lost in all the hype.
Apr. 8, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Patiecake
Wow, I stumbled accross your blog by accident but liked what I read. There is a movement going on where we are to become like the world to influence culture. I agree sometimes we must step out comfort zones but God's word does not return void and is the sane yesterday, today and tommorrow. He still has the power to save. Thanks for that post and take care.
