Just Another Gripe

My heart has just been so heavy for the past month. I am so burdened for the body of Christ and now find myself even challenging the views, blogs, and conversations of some of my closest friends. Being at odds with people I don't know that well is one thing but to have some issue with a friend is another.

There is this movement out there for a "pure" church; filled with "authentic" worship and "passionate" preaching. Everywhere I turn, with people I know personally, in blogs, you name it; people are wanting church to be completely different. My issue is with the wording and the attitude. For example: Why does "authentic" worship always mean or at least is attached with contemporary music? What does passionate preaching mean? I know plenty of guys in old-fashioned churches that are passionate. How is non-denominational pure when Methodist or Baptist isn't? These are just a few questions that come to mind.

I also can't get away from this mentality that a pure church is one that breaks all ties with doctrine and the focus in only the Gospel. This attitude is what is keeping people trapped in spiritual immaturity. If all I do is preach the Gospel then where would that leave the people of my flock? The answer is hungry, void and immature. What some people in this new movement don't realize is that in context and all practicality the Gospel is for lost people outside the walls of the church. The Great Commission was not intended to be carried out in a worship service. Church is for saved people not lost people!!! My fear is that some are more "seeker sensitive" and even emergent than they realize.

I'm praying for revival of the Body. A revival in the love of theology and doctrine that pushes us to the end of ourselves and closer to Christ.