Bible Question:
I have noticed that many churches across America have (to me anyway) no semblence of a house of worship. I'm told that they are intentionally designed this way so that "unchurched" people will not feel threatened when they walk in. We have music that blasts as loud as rock concerts, drums, guitars, lights and sound sytems to rival any concert hall, comfortable seats, ample parking, and even food courts(!) It's all in the packaging, so I'm told . . . our job is to get 'em in the door, make 'em feel welcome and "at home" so that they can "hear the Gospel" and the Holy Spirit will do the rest. Is this meeting the needs of the world or "conforming" to the world? Is this necessary to reach the world with the Gospel? |
Bible Answer: This is a very interesting question, and I can see your position. However, I am of the belief that God is the author of all things in this world. If He did not make it directly with his hands, He gave us the thought to create it - and therefore, what Satan made for evil, God will use for good. By this I mean that the pleasure that comes from concerts, food, fellowship, and such things was God's to start with. We are not conforming to the patterns of this world, we are using what God originally intended for good and bringing it back to use for His glory. I think it is the concept of meeting the sinner where they are at, and showing them that much of their daily life, can be "transformed" to the glory of God. Also, remember Jesus' choice of fellowship and that He ate at the homes of sinners and brought them to the truth through meeting them where they were at. |