The World in the Church

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Timothy Nelson on September 3, 2011 at 3:49am

I guess you must be talking about large Church's more than small ones?

Permalink Reply by Scott DePrefontaine on September 3, 2011 at 4:08am

Actually no both large and small

Permalink Reply by Ariel Salazar on September 3, 2011 at 3:38pm

Unfortunately, this is the case in many churches.  I have served in various bodies in a consulting capacity for worship teams, and I see this mindset in many of the churches that I have worked with. 

 

The truth is, that you really cannot build anything of real depth, and the turn-over rates are high due to the immaturity issues that you spoke of.  The church needs prayer, and an infusion of the Spirit of God once again. I used to be one that participated in church-bashing, but the Lord convicted me due to His love for His bride.  I have just come to the place of realizing that the church belongs to Him, and only He can straighten her out. My job is to pray!

Permalink Reply by JORN on November 21, 2011 at 7:23pm

Amen to prayer!!!!!

 

Permalink Reply by Tony Chung on September 3, 2011 at 10:51pm

Well, you know how it is. The teams play "the hits" because the congregation knows them and responds to them. Why would a worship team want to play anything but the same 7 songs for years on end? After all, familiarity breeds, well, familiarity. You don't need to change, so we won't make you change.

 

Right?

Permalink Reply by Matt Osgood on September 6, 2011 at 8:50pm

Umm. Wow. That's a lot of cynicism and a massive generalisation in the OP (I'm presuming by 'church' you actually mean the American church rather than the worldwide church? Not sure the Underground church in China, just to give one example, would really recognise the issues you're talking here)

 

And - without wishing to be judgemental!! :) - the original post seems a little... ermm... judgemental. God alone knows the secrets of the human heart and he tests every false motivation. Yes, doubtless there are those who pursue ministry 'careers' for their own gain or the massaging of their own ego, but the words about casting the first stone spring to mind here. Surely a better and more constructive approach is to pray blessing on your brothers and sisters, that God will teach them - and you and me - what is really important in serving him? Just a thought. 

Permalink Reply by JORN on November 21, 2011 at 7:59pm

God knows what He’s doing even when we don’t.  I can hear the frustration in your post but even the stuff that appears to be self-serving and superficial, God can use for His glory.  I think we somehow feel like we have to fight God’s battles for Him.  I know I fall into that trap from time to time.  The only motives we can truly examine are our own.   You can’t begin to know what is in another’s heart and to say that that they only lead worship so they can flock to the spotlight assumes you know them intimately.  Let’s face it we are all flawed.

I’ve given this subject an immense amount of thought over the last year for various reasons.  In the end we are all God’s design.  I’ve wondered why God creates people with a desire to lead and a certain level of comfort in front of others.  I’ve had to really grow into it myself (I did not set out to lead worship) and as a result was very suspect of those who gravitated in that direction.  But on some level it makes sense that God would program it somewhere into a person so that when they are called to the task they can function.

So maybe the next time you think that a particular person doesn’t belong in their position or is immature.  Maybe you can take a moment to pray for them.  And also take a moment to examine why it bothers you so much.  You may find your heart softens toward the person you are praying for and you may gain some insight into your own motives as well.

Permalink Reply by Nathan Lawrenson on November 25, 2011 at 2:54am

I have to say, I couldn't disagree with the OP more.  I know those criticisms are true on some level at some churches, but the majority of the churches I'm involved and/or familiar with do not fall within the generalizations of these criticisms.  Sounds to me like the OP is either being incredibly religious and Pharisaical, or has some really crappy luck with churches.

BTW, I am personally tired of reading from people who get on forums like these and bash the modern church from what appears to be a high horse without offering anything in the way of a practical solution to the problems they are pointing out.  The church doesn't need critics from within.  Get off your lazy, judgmental butt and do something about it, and then tell us about what you're doing right, not about what everyone else is doing wrong.

Nate

Permalink Reply by Timothy Nelson on December 12, 2011 at 3:06am

I agree Nate! Well put brother.