I am amazed by the ironic sometimes. Some might find it to be a surprise but I have some friends in ministry that I completely disagree with on certain things. One of the major differences is the methodology of church. Now don't get me wrong I don't care what building a church meets in because its just a building. I don't care what type of music is used during worship. I don't care how long we sing or pray or preach because the Spirit will lead in different ways. I don't care if you have "Baptist" in the church name or if you want to be non-denominational.
But here is some irony I have come across in recent months that just blows my mind. In this new church movement statements like "authentic", "genuine", and "real" keep getting thrown around in mission, vision, and value statements. The leadership in these churches (many lead by friends of mine)are directly or at least indirectly saying that their church is different and like no other. As a matter of fact some friends of mine are assuming that within their methods they are capturing the bare essentials of the true church found in Acts. But again we must notice the ironic.
Isn't if funny that these "new" churches are all using the same catch phrases (real, authentic, genuine)? How come everyone of them has to incorporate coffee in their plans? One friend of mine in Tennessee has a church that bought a building (an old Movie Gallery) that is right next to their church and they are putting in a coffee house. How come true or real worship in these "new" churches has to be played with a guitar? Let me point this out just in case you missed it. All these churches that claim to be different from all the rest are just like each other. Irony at its finest.
Just a thought I had today.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Coffee House or Church
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From "The Life and Hymns of John Cennick"
See, Lord, how Satan spoils Thy Church,
Thy scattered sheep behold;
Distress o’er spreads the peoples hearts,
And fear attends Thy fold.
Billows of fury fright the flock,
And mighty tempests swell;
Against us man with man combines,
And aids the hosts of Hell.
False brethren in religious forms,
Their artful malice use;
Arrayed like sheep, the ravenous wolves
Thy heritage abuse.
Rise Mighty God, maintain Thy cause,
Hold out the victor’s crown;
Strengthen the weak, and raise the hands
Despairingly cast down.
Help us, O Lord, to persevere,
And more than conquerors prove;
Assist us manfully to fight,
And triumph in Thy love.
***
John Cennick was an open air preacher, friend and co-laborer with George Whitefield in mid 18th century England.
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