We Christians tend to be slow on the draw. It has been said that the only difference between the church and the world is about ten years. Unfortunate. And not because I think it should be fifteen or fifty years either.
We tend to be reactionists. The newest fads are what we embrace to try to twist and mold them into something that can fit into the ministry of the church both morally and, often more importantly, pragmatically.
So it is with each "new" idea that comes along in Christian ministry. We fall victim to reactionary behaviour rather than pro-active proclamation.
I'll give an example from the ministry God has called me to...
Pastor, Preacher, Reverened, Clergy, Brother/Sister, etc. Lot's of names and titles that go in and out of style. Some may be more descriptive of what the congregation's expectations for the pastor are (like preacher or pastor). Right now the Christian Fad we have adopted is no title. Just refer to the minister by his/her first name (I'm not trying to make a moral/ethical call on these issues, just observances).
There is always a 'new' and 'popular' new style of preaching. From inductive or deductive to narrative or expository ministers, and especially those honing the gifts God has given them through the educational/ discipleship process, are victim to the "going style."
What is a minister to wear? A robe, a suit, a toga, a pair of cut off shorts? Casual is the fad right now.
And most dangerous of all is the theological tossing to and fro that takes place in denominations (especially those that can most easily change their doctrinal statements and polity).
Maybe the church is too busy with it's ear to the ground. Maybe we are too busy checking the barometer for the winds of the newest fads.
So the churches that "do the best" are those churches that have learned to adapt best to "new ways of thinking" and, in reality, the newest fad on the market at your local Christian book store.
What happened to the foundation that was a solid rock? Or am I a lone voice trying to comfort my stubbornness and resistance to change?
The Whole Henry Family
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About Me
- Jared Henry
- Lexington, KY, United States
- I have been happily married since May 25, 2002 and enjoyed fatherhood since January 15, 2007. I am an ordained elder (pastor) in the Church of the Nazarene.
2 comments:
I understand what your saying here, and the easiest way I have found to say it is that the church acts too much like a business.
It gets even worse when we apply words like productive and efficient to churches. Having taken business class in the past I see it an awful lot, and even in some places it seems like the pastors are more businessman then messenger of God.
Roger:
Unfortunately we have to do some administrative things in the church today. But some have left the Holy Spirit out of the board meeting!
Thanks for the comment.
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