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: Luring them inside the building with junk snacks at a "food court" won't do the trick. They must be fed spiritual food from the word of God. The big question is, are they being fed in an atmosphere that resembles a carnival or a rock concert more than the church of the Lord Jesus Christ? Someone may counter, "But didn't Jesus feed 5,000 men plus women and children? Yes, He did. But not to get them to gather to listen to His message. They were already there. They were truly hungry and needed to eat. And as far as we know, Paul, the greatest preacher besides Jesus that the world has ever known, didn't carry a rock band with snare drums and strobe lights around with him on his missionary trips. He preached the gospel wherever he could, whenever he could and to whomever he could and under austere conditions that would not meet the criteria of modern-day church "packaging" experts. There are two churches in my city that compete with one another to bring in "big name" speakers, musicians, comedians, and even magicians to entertain the crowds. When one attends one of these "services" he often leaves with the distinct feeling that he has been to a carnival. And he really has. At some of these extravaganzas the church actually charges an admission fee. As for me, I'd sooner stay at home and watch an Andy Griffith Show rerun on TV and save my money for the alms box to feed the poor or buy Bibles for those who have none. --Hank |