That's the difference between a seeker friendly church and a dour friendly church.
I will, however, repeat my still unanswered question regarding the surveys, as originally posted in #344. The question that all of you have artfully dodged:
"If you were to ask the congregants of such a church why they go to that particular church, what do you think the responses would look like?
Probably something like:
"I get to wear jeans"
"I like the music"
"I can drink a soda during the service"
"I can act casual"
"The sermons aren't long and preachy"
"No boring hymns"
All translate into fleshly needs, and I am not simply assuming. These were the responses received by our former pastor when he implemented the PDC model at our old church. He then sought to change the service to accommodate.
The very first step in Rick Warren's plan is to conduct a survey and find out why people in an area don't like church, then make the necessary changes to suit them. To make church more attractive to them. Correct?
The motive for the church-goer at that point becomes their personal comfort and ease, not a desire to worship their creator with awe and reverence. You've now set the standard for their future attendance, and the moment they become uncomfortable, they'll be the first ones to leave.
You've now made worship conditional, basd upon their desires and comfort. It becomes "If I can't wear jeans, then I won't go." If ___, then ___. Conditional worship.
What you win them with is what you win them to."
Please feel fre to re-read as needed, and answer when convenient.
Seeker-sensitivity breeds conditional worship and spiritual laziness.
Here's your dour-friendly/seeker unfriendly church:
But you don't seem to be seeking what he is saying at all. ;)