Reflecting on the past few posts, I think we should learn from some of these other churches on how to be more relevant to our generation and if that means yes—even the mega-churches can teach us something—then so be it! Maybe we can reach out to those who are not like us—perhaps even African-Americans by singing some of “their” music (shocking I know). What if someday—we had a rapper like the one who appeared on this blog a few days ago at HBC? Some would surely protest I know but some of us would like to really be “all things to all men” and maybe that means as somebody on this blog said—a “paradigm shift.”
And while we are taking the good from mega churches, what is wrong with a real praise band? Afterall, I thought we were trying to grow our church and I thought somebody on this blog said our adherence to the Trinity Hymnal might be hindering our growth. Then why not update--get out of the 18th century for good! I'm sorry but some of us are perhaps getting impatient with the "growth process." If we really believe we can grow this church and be more relevant to our lost community, then let's just go for it! Let's make a joyful noise and we can do it with good gospel songs from our own generation that speak to those in our community. It's just that we need to stop being afraid to let the Lord work, being afraid to take chances and be bold and try new things--be innovative! Let's go all the way with this updating of our church or let's stop pretending we are trying to matter to this community.
I would love to sign my name but at the risk of people thinking me foolish(perhaps I crossed the line), maybe I won't this time.
I have been a pastor and church musician (education in theology and music); currently I am part of the music team at Heritage BC / Owensboro KY. I am a piano tuner-technician, and education director for the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra (www.theoso.com). Joyce, my Schatz, has been my wonderful wife for 30 years. We have 2 children (both serving the Lord), a dog and a cat. I love the trombone, jazz, Mozart, theology and Kentucky.
Reflecting on the past few posts, I think we should learn from some of these other churches on how to be more relevant to our generation and if that means yes—even the mega-churches can teach us something—then so be it! Maybe we can reach out to those who are not like us—perhaps even African-Americans by singing some of “their” music (shocking I know). What if someday—we had a rapper like the one who appeared on this blog a few days ago at HBC? Some would surely protest I know but some of us would like to really be “all things to all men” and maybe that means as somebody on this blog said—a “paradigm shift.”
ReplyDeleteAnd while we are taking the good from mega churches, what is wrong with a real praise band? Afterall, I thought we were trying to grow our church and I thought somebody on this blog said our adherence to the Trinity Hymnal might be hindering our growth. Then why not update--get out of the 18th century for good! I'm sorry but some of us are perhaps getting impatient with the "growth process." If we really believe we can grow this church and be more relevant to our lost community, then let's just go for it! Let's make a joyful noise and we can do it with good gospel songs from our own generation that speak to those in our community. It's just that we need to stop being afraid to let the Lord work, being afraid to take chances and be bold and try new things--be innovative! Let's go all the way with this updating of our church or let's stop pretending we are trying to matter to this community.
I would love to sign my name but at the risk of people thinking me foolish(perhaps I crossed the line), maybe I won't this time.