Would people go to a church where there is one attraction - God? Why lower our standards to make the unsaved, unsaved churchgoers?Quoted from a friends status. I think this sums up the problem with hyper-marketed churches. They spend huge amounts of money on being as cool and trendy as possible to attract young twenty-somethings, often at the sake of Biblical teaching.
What are you thoughts?
In many circumstances, I agree. A church doesn't have to have fancy videography, amazing drama, and be "up-an'-up" with the latest trends to be successful. God calls us to be faithful, and that's all that matters.
ReplyDeleteWith that said, I believe there are many "hyper-marketed" churches that really do teach the Truth. I believe it's possible to follow many of the cultural trends of America without being dishonoring to God. If someone in a church has a God-given-gifting in videography, let him use it for God's glory! If there is a group of Christians that are dedicated to serving the Lord through drama, then let them act for His glory!
No matter the size of the church, this danger can exist, it's merely the size of the church that makes the Mega-churches a greater danger. We need to check our motives and repent of pride we hold in our churches. It's not about, "the biggest church club wins," but rather, being the faithful Bride of Christ until the day He returns.
Camden
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Thanks Camden,
ReplyDeleteI agree, the problems arrive when the focus shifts from using our gifts for the Glory of God to using our gifts to attract people to our church for there own right. When you change from making a video for spreading the gospel to making a video to hype how cool coming to church is.
Does that make sense?
Dominus Vobiscum
jackson4Christ
Part of the problem can lie in a slippery slope, like so many things...where the church drama group decides to act on a Sunday night during the time usually given to worshipping God or holding the prayer meeting...and then the attention is focussed on - Oh LOOK how good our church drama club is! - rather than the praise for the talent given going to the Lord.
ReplyDeleteJane
Thanks Jane, that's true. :)
ReplyDeleteDominus Vobiscum Amicus
jackson4Christ