The New Standard for Church

I have been visiting church’s main worship service and I have some thoughts. Before anyone gets up in arms this is an opinion piece and is not based on anything other my suggestions to both the church and the believer. I understand that everyone chooses to have church in the way that suits them and this is just to raise awareness and get feedback.

Overview:

All of these churches consider themselves contemporary. Most state on their website or paperwork handed out, “not like other churches” or “not your typical church. On this I would beg to differ, as most of the new churches in my region are exactly like this. “Rock and Roll” or contemporary style worship music, band, projector screens, “shorts and flip-flop” dress code, short sermons, and great kids programs.

(Again, nothing wrong with this just be aware it has become the new model when planting non denomination churches, you’re not breaking the mold. Just realize you are becoming the norm for new churches, so not really non-traditional.)

Issues that have come across:

·       When entering the seating area it is hard to locate a seat as it is dark. (help seating would be nice)

·       Smoke machine?? Really??

·       Be realistic, check decimal levels, I have seen kids covering their ears and watched people leave (check decibels in front of speakers where people are seated, different then back at control booth)

·       Uniform dress, same t-shirts, or badges a must for staff -volunteers- workers. (no one drops there kid off with a teenager with green hair if they are not clearly designated as a church worker)

·       Multiple services sometimes make the service seem rehearsed; originality isn’t there, tight time frame means Holy Spirit does not have the freedom to move.

·       Ending service with “rock” music, not conductive to people trying to do business with God, not environment for decision making

·       Receiving Christ by checking a box on a card and dropping it off. Please have person’s trained standing by and direct the person making the decision to a real person.

Good things that are happening:

·       The new church dress code (this has been a hindrance/ excuse for many. And for those who say you need a suit, I remind you that business dress has definitely changed, and some jeans cost as much as a suit, so best foot forward is still in place)

·       Kids ministries, youth ministries. These are driving the growth in these churches. Awesome!

·       Small groups, bible studies being carried on outside of the church, in homes and communities.

·       Use of bands, drums, guitars, trumpets, keyboards. I see this as a resurgence of what David had in his day. When the temple was filled with music and song.

·       Less institution, no committee on committee or ritual reciting of readings

Things I miss:

·       Hymns, maybe I am old fashioned, but I miss “Just as I am” and the occasional “Just a closer walk with thee”, not all the time but once in a while would be nice

·       Bibles, words on screens and printout means most people don’t bring or use a bible

·       Alters and alter calls, time set aside for people to do business with God in his house

·       I miss adult level Sunday school classes.

·       Corporate prayer

·       An offering, standing by the coffee stand collecting after the “show”, doesn’t strike me as bringing the tithe into the store house.

I would love to hear the thoughts of others, what do you think??