Saturday, January 7, 2012

'Hip' Church vs. Simple Church - don't judge please


I read an article today from a lady who was criticizing 'hip' and 'trendy' churches. Calling the worship a show, describing the people as 'cool', and suggesting that the churches that use apps are more concerned with marketing than really loving people.

I don't know the lady who wrote it or what her experiences are, but it really bothered me. Most things don't get under my skin, but this did. Probably because I hear/read things like this regularly. Sometimes both 'simple' and 'hip' churches can be more concerned with how they appear than who they are & that's a bummer. But, mostly, I think everyone is trying to love Jesus the best they know how.

Here is the truth. Some people like traditional worship, liturgy, technology, acoustic worship, light flashing during worship, stage design and various sizes of groups. Some feel comfortable when the pastor wears a robe & others connect with a pastor wearing jeans and a t-shirt. What seems sincere to you may not seem sincere to me, but that doesn't mean it isn't.

If a church doesn't have an app it doesn't necessarily indicate that they are out of touch with culture, they just don't want technology to complicate things. Churches that do have an app aren't trying to be 'cool', I mean Clorox cleaning products have an app...its just the way the world is communicating.

One group of people love 'simple' services with minimal lighting & design. I get it. They connect with God in a place that feels very intimate to them in that way. Other churches have a bit more production involved in their services. But before you judge lighting & sound, I suggest you read a bit from Revelation 4. Heaven has some bling.

Both are fine. Cool people don't go to one an uncool people to another. One group is not more effective at loving people than another & I guarantee that God attends both.

So, please be careful when you listen to people criticize a church or a style. Don't bash one way of doing things just because it isn't your preference. Lets be the Church. One that is beautiful, diverse, accepting and attractive to the world around us.

I think the Church should do a world-wide Bible study on the tongue from James. Imagine if we gave our voices to sharing Jesus rather than bashing the church.

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
-John 13:35

We need each other. Tattoos, robes, lights, King James Versions, democrats,  republicans, acoustic guitars and drum circles...The world needs us all. God uses us all. 

3 comments:

  1. This is good, Elizabeth. The one thing I would point out is that there are a lot of churches that seem "hip" that rely on their "hipness" instead of the life of G-d and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Maybe that's what she was getting at, I don't know. If so, I would have to agree with her on that. Where I would disagree with her is that she seemed to say (and many other do too) is that if two churches have "cool looking" people and lights and "trendy" dynamics then they both are in the wrong, when in reality one could be hyper worldly with a powerless gospel and the other could be a spiritual oasis in the desert getting ready to break out in revival. I like that you bring this up, because it is sad that the believing community can get so focused on the wrong things and is a good reminder to walk in the Spirit. Really, its just a lack of intimacy with G-d that causes it. Makes me want to evaluate myself. Thanks, Elizabeth. Hope you and Jady are doing well. Tell him I said hi. Blessings

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  2. Totally agree with you Matt. If Jesus isn't the motivation I don't want to go to church there either!

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