brochure1.jpgI got home from work the other day to find this flyer in our mailbox. It was an invitation to come and enjoy a “relevant church experience.” It is a church that meets in our local high school’s gym and they listed on the inside some of their upcoming events. (Click here or on the image to the left to see the contents of the flyer).

Now, I don’t question the sincerity of those in this church, but sincerity by itself doesn’t mean very much. I do think they are doing what they believe to be right. I think they honestly believe that if they disguise the traditional church just enough so that it actually appeals to the world, that people will come. Sadly, this is not what the bible teaches us to do, nor what the church is for.

What is the primary purpose of gathering together as the church of Jesus Christ? It is NOT evangelism as so many mistakenly think. The corporate gathering is for believers to come together to worship and glorify God. We gather together for God, not for ourselves. This church doesn’t seem to understand what the church is and has set itself up as what appears to be a spiritual entertainment entity.

Here are some of the things about this group that are clearly printed on the flyer:

1) They’re “real,” “authentic,” not “religious,” and we’re told four times that they’re “relevant.”

2) Their music will be to the tastes and likes of the world, not antiquated like your parents church. You see, in the current day, it’s not about the words we sing in praise to God, but about our ability to sing something we like; it’s about appropriating a “Top 40″ feel that we are comfortable with.

3) They will commit to love all those who come, and not condemn. I’m not sure what this means. Will they call sinners to repentance? or will that make them feel unwelcome? Will they tell people that the wrath of God abides upon them if they are outside of Christ? or is that making a judgment on their spiritual state?

4) Their “relevant contemporary approach” will keep you from sleeping. (Because all those churches that preach from the word are apparently the insomniacs best friend).

5) They are committed to giving their people “a church experience that is enjoyable.” Since when has it been about our enjoyment?

6) They don’t want to put people off by taking up an offering, despite the fact the Bible teaches that the sacrificial giving of a portion of what we earn is, in itself, an act of love and worship towards God.

7) Sunday school will consist of an “exciting DVD discussion series.”

8) Coming soon: a sermon series entitled, “Dude, Where’s My Church?”
9) On November 12th, it appears as if U2 frontman, Bono, will be preaching (via video of course); his topic will be on the AIDS crisis and the role of the church. An unbeliever bringing the message. Very sad.

10) In a few more weeks they will begin a sermon series entitled, “Hooray For Hollywood: Finding Spiritual Insights and Life Lessons in Film.” I guess the word of God, the Scriptures, the Bible, are just not good enough to teach life lessons, or in comparison just not that interesting any more.

My heart is saddened that those who run this organization are ashamed to promote themselves as a place where the word of God is preached in power in order that sinners might be saved. That’s the only “relevant” message worth proclaiming.