By: Brother Jerry H. Miller
Before you read any further, please understand this: While I am all for doing away with the concept of “Church” as being the building Christians assemble together in and for restructuring the “government” of many denominations that rely upon tradition rather than the Word of God, I adamantly state that the “church: that is the body of Christ,” has absolutely no business seeking “success” as far a numbers of members and it’s outreach ministry based upon the concepts of mega corporations, and the entertainment world. If we forget that Bible is God’s standard to guide us in ministering to one another and in reaching the lost, we are building sinking ships!
This Dangerous “New Way Of Doing Church” I am warning you about can be defined as: The utilization of modern marketing techniques by the church, in order to draw and hold large numbers of people (by meeting their "felt needs"). The church then “converts” them, and “disciples" them through the use of modern organizational management [Total Quality Management-style] techniques, so that they can effect "change" in the community, and the world.
Most of these types of churches are “planted” after a survey is taken of the surrounding community. The “felt needs" of the community are then compiled, and the church is tailored around meeting those needs. The most prominent proponents of this style of church, admit to being only interested in meeting the needs of unbelievers in this type of surveying, and openly state: “We don’t want to color the survey with believers’ opinions.”
The question thus arises: Is it acceptable to pattern a church after the felt needs of unbelievers, when the Apostle Paul states that the function of the church is to perfect and to edify the saints? [Eph 4:11–12] Furthermore, are we to use worldly surveys and techniques to become more attractive to the masses? [1 Cor 1:20, and Rom 12:2]
What else is seen in these churches? Special parking for first time visitors, and numerous “greeters” (a la Wal Mart). Why? Because surveys have shown that people decide in the first eight minutes, whether they will return to that church or not, so first impressions become very important.
The messages are significant, in that much is left out. Jesus’ love and grace are emphasized, often His deity is minimized, and the fact that He is a righteous judge is usually avoided. Sin is often characterized as “wrongdoing”, “wrong choices”, and “mistakes.”
Many pastors of these modern “New Churches” think something like this when preparing their sermons: “I first consider: To whom will I be preaching? Then, I consider what are their needs, hurts, and interests, and I ask a second question: ‘What does the Bible say about their needs?’” Once he examines what the Bible says about the subject, he asks himself: “What is the most practical way to say this? What is the most positive way to say this? What is the most encouraging way to say this? What is the simplest way to say this? What is the most personal way to say this? What is the most interesting way to say this?”
In other words, he puts his “spin” on the Blessed Word of God in order to tickle the itching ears of his audience. The word pastor can also be translated as messenger. The true pastor is to act as a messenger from God, bringing God’s truth and message to the people, regardless of whether it is what they want to hear.
The end result is a watered-down message, with “feel good” half-truths, and no condemnation/conviction of sin for the listeners. Those who “accept Christ’ are not accepting the Christ revealed in the blessed Word of God, but rather a false Christ, a Christ of grace and love, and void of all judgment, who exists to meet their needs and heal their hurts. Jesus becomes a servant of theirs, rather than them becoming servants of Him.
Closing Comments: As we seek to breath new Spiritual life into our congregations, let us staunchly acknowledge we must hold fast to the pure preaching and teachings of God’s Holy Word.
1 comment:
Paul also says that we, as beleivers, should be all things to all people. If we are unable to speak to people in their own language, they will never understand what we are saying....much less have the chance to let it change their lives. I agree that new believers (and seekers) should recognize that Jesus is the holy deity (and not just a "buddy" who's going to tell them what they want to hear), but denying or neglecting to talk about His grace and love negates what He did on the cross. You simply cannot talk about the cross without talking about grace...and it's the grace and love that brings people to Him. Once someone is following Him, his judgment and conviction moves in them to change their hearts. Just my personal thoughts.... I enjoyed reading yours.
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