Posted on 08/09/2005 8:37:23 PM PDT by buckeyesrule
Cool website. Another good new post there:
http://christianunplugged.com/christianflipflopper.htm
Interesting article. But around here pretty much every church is doing the rick warren thing.
A decade ago the buzzword was "entertainment evangelism". Just goes to show that there is no such thing as a new heresy, just the same old same old in different clothes.
While I can understand some chargrin at what 'houses of worship' have grown into; I would think that it is more than likely that there are many who have come to know and experience a Faith; if only by that Faith, taking root because first there was a basketball game. . . .or an exercise class offered at the 'church on the corner'.
Better to think of these churches as engaged in a 'social outreach'. . .attracting the 'body'; so as to serve the soul.
Like it or not; this all serves the community; fills a huge need for individuals or families; whole. . .or fractured. . .
In any event; keeps many on the 'right streets' as opposed to it's opposite.
Good post! Charles Spurgeon was always a favorite of mine.
It's pretty scary when fads can take over churches so easily.
I think I'm going to start a "Jabez Yoga" school where WWJD is the mantra and people meditate to a comtemplative breath prayer of Jabez. The marketing push will have people talk about: "Channeling Jabez on Purpose for Jesus!"
'Attracting the body', yes; but what happens then? 'keeping them in' with greater entertainments and amusements when what originally drew them in starts to pale? Or growing them in The Spirit (and necessarily suffering SOME fall-off when some of them lose interest)?
(or, hopefully, getting them to the point where they WANT more and, seeing they're not getting it there, moving on to Church where they know they CAN grow?)
IS it possible to "hook 'em, keep 'em, and teach 'em" all in the same service? Or is so much effort expended on 'hook & keep' that the level of maturity of the congregation reaches a stunted limit and never progresses?
If they never 'learn the tools' necessary to enable them to stand on their own two (spiritual) feet and evangelize independently (NOT meaning to merely be able to draw others into the same situation they're in), then IS there progress and growth?
Anyone can stand outside and wear a sandwich-board saying "come in and see the show"; but only those IN the Spirit (firmly grounded in the Word and KNOWING what they're teaching) can help lead others to their level.
yeah, but; 'CJPJ' doesn't exactly roll off the tongue... :)
***Like it or not; this all serves the community; fills a huge need for individuals or families; whole. . .or fractured. . .***
And yet nationwide, attendance is drifiting downward.
We are playing with strange fire in order to satisfy itching ears.
ping
"From speaking out as the Puritans did, the Church has gradually toned down her testimony, then winked at and excused the frivolities of the day. Then she tolerated them in her borders. Now she has adopted them under the plea of reaching the masses."
Agree; think the problem with the fire, is less the extras being offered on the outside. ..and more, the dillution of what is being offered on the inside; the growing 'relativism' of the spiritual core of Christian teaching.
See a 'chicken/egg' dilemma here. . .or just bottom line. . .liberal politics reaping consequences.
No doubt about it. . .and well put. . .so to speak ;^)
(as were all your comments. . .)
Agree; think the problem with the fire, is less the extras being offered on the outside. ..and more, the dillution of what is being offered on the inside; the growing 'relativism' of the spiritual core of Christian teaching.
See a 'chicken/egg' dilemma here. . .or just bottom line. . .liberal politics reaping consequences.
(trying to get this post straightened out(!)
***the dillution of what is being offered on the inside***
Agreed.
Check out this very well know churches worship styles:
http://www.saddleback.com/flash/venues.html
"Learn to worship through signing or hula"
I think I'm going to be sick.
*** Now she has adopted them under the plea of reaching the masses." ***
What amazes me is the fact that "The Church" decries everything going on in the popular culture, but then incorporates the culture into everything we do.
When a "seeker" does enter a modern church, the impression is given that there is nothing going on inside the church that can't be found elsewhere...
***IS it possible to "hook 'em, keep 'em, and teach 'em" all in the same service?***
The better question is it Biblical?
The saints are commanded to come together and worship, not the pagans.
Worship is not the place for, but rather the goal of Evangelism.
LOL; and not atypical, I am sure.
Love the music menu. . .'Island Rock/Gospel/Rock'n'Roll/intimateyounger. . .] ie. . .hard rock or soft or just 'easy listening'?
Gives new meaning to the 'rock' of Christianity. . .
(disclaimer: I an NOT making 'fun' of anyone's choice for spiritual affirmation. . .whatever floats your boat or 'rocks it', for that mattter; if it adheres at least, to genuine spiritual values, of course).
That said; the boat does seem to be listing . . .
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