I never thought I would see a Driscoll vid on your site…

I think the message is important, especially considering the tendency of some to consider certain stylistic issues unalterable (I wonder if God “foresaw” this issue crisis…lol). This goes for all generations. However, in the SE US CoG congregations of which I am familiar, there is a tendency of growing somewhat stagnant in how we “do church” (as Mark alludes to the 50s style as an example). Now, I’m not knocking everything (by any means). Yet I think that the people of God must tap into some creative ways of building bridges, being bridges and protecting those bridges with others (to use Sonny’s expression a few posts back). There are many different ways of expressing the love of Christ to a community (and some more effective in reaching folks and faithful to the gospel message).

There are some things which we think must be the way we’ve always done them or we’re “backsliding” as a community of faith. I think this is a dangerous way to think of things. Take Sunday School, for example. Sunday school is not the primary means of discipleship in many congregations (as much as I enjoy my own SS class). Why? Because many folks (a great percentage in many congregations) do not attend such meetings. Now, does this mean that we discontinue SS across the board in every CoG congregation? Of course not. However, in some contexts, small groups (which are basically what SS classes are) which gather together on Saturday afternoon or Tuesday evening (just using example times) are just as effective (if not more so) in teaching the Scriptures, offering time for intentional dialogue (testimony, prayer, questions/answers) and relationship-building (as well as being conducive to welcoming unchurched folks who dare not darken the doors of the “church building”).

I think we so easily grow accustomed to certain ways of doing things (me included), that when change is suggested (which seems very positive) we tend to feel threatened and/or defensive. Yet, the Spirit is moving in dynamic ways through persons who are not bound by preferences, style and/or cultural tendencies. For these persons, rescuing folks from the death-ridden trajectory of sin is top priority. And to do so, we pour ourselves out in love to others in the most genuine, Christlike, Spirit-empowered way possible. As a family of faith, with Christ as our treasure, the mission of God’s love becomes the driving force of our assemblies.

Peace

I support any means that promotes Jesus in a positive light. If it is effective and executed in a spirit of excellence. If it is ministring to a group then let it be done. If it is not effective (reaching anyone) we should re think it.