Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Modern Church Movements
I was recently asked by a friend to comment on modern church movements. The particular movement in focus was the seeker friendly church movement. I attend a church that displays some of the characteristics that some would try to criticize as being seeker friendly.
The opinions I have about my research on the "seeker friendly" movement are a little unique from any other that I have found so far. My approach to this subject falls near to the struggle that I live with every day. My struggle is to love others unconditionally and display that love in everything I do and say. I will share a scripture to begin my response to what I have found concerning this modern church movement.
I start with this scripture because I believe it is where critics begin to go astray when targeting seeker friendly church practices. Almost everything I have found on this subject is not done in love but in pure criticism. A large majority of the criticisms I have found are focused on Rick Warren the author of "The Purpose Driven Life". My opinion is that these critics should look in the mirror.
These critics are forgetting something very important. We should all focus on living in a way that strives to be Christ like. Spending hours, days, and months in trying to discredit others does not display very much love. Our energy should be focused on sharing the word of God in a positive manner. If the practices or teachings are leading people towards Christ rather than away then it is good. Those who openly critisize their fellow Christian brothers are doing far more harm than good in the face of those who have not found Jesus Christ as their personal savior. Those who are ministering incorrectly will be held accountable. Those who are doing good will be rewarded.
This scripture does not say to minister only to believers. There is an emphasis on ministering to believers, but all people are included without restriction.
I have intentionally left out references to those who criticize the good efforts of Rick Warren and other well known preachers and authors. I have not read any of Warren's books in entirety and I am not biased in his favor. I have read some of "The Purpose Driven Life" but I have not found time to complete it. What I did read was not flowing with criticisms like the things I have read about the seeker friendly practices that Warren is criticized about. I look at the criticism of Rick Warren and others as far from loving. Any preachers or churches that are deviating from the word of God will answer for it one day. That day is not today and we are not the judges. The last few verses of the Bible make clear the result of misusing the Bible.
I attend Seacoast Church in Mount Pleasant, SC. My church is seeker friendly as well as believer friendly. The Holy Spirit is alive and well in my church. I have met some of the most dedicated Christians I have ever encountered in my life. These are not Sunday morning dress up Christians. These are full blown, 24/7, fired up, and ready to share the good news of Jesus Christ anywhere anytime kind of Christians.
Remember to ask yourself a question when reading criticisms about the practices of other teachers, churches or preachers. Are the words you are reading likely to lead someone to Christ or away from Christ? Is the author following this scripture?
When you enter into a church take the same approach at reviewing what you see. Are the practices of this church leading people towards Christ or away form Christ? Seek the final answer to these questions through prayer and then by reading the Bible for yourself. You do not have to be a preacher, teacher, author, or theologian to find answers through prayer and reading the word of God.
The opinions I have about my research on the "seeker friendly" movement are a little unique from any other that I have found so far. My approach to this subject falls near to the struggle that I live with every day. My struggle is to love others unconditionally and display that love in everything I do and say. I will share a scripture to begin my response to what I have found concerning this modern church movement.
Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions. It is by our actions that we know we are living in the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before the Lord, even if our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 1 John 3:18-20 (NLT)
I start with this scripture because I believe it is where critics begin to go astray when targeting seeker friendly church practices. Almost everything I have found on this subject is not done in love but in pure criticism. A large majority of the criticisms I have found are focused on Rick Warren the author of "The Purpose Driven Life". My opinion is that these critics should look in the mirror.
These critics are forgetting something very important. We should all focus on living in a way that strives to be Christ like. Spending hours, days, and months in trying to discredit others does not display very much love. Our energy should be focused on sharing the word of God in a positive manner. If the practices or teachings are leading people towards Christ rather than away then it is good. Those who openly critisize their fellow Christian brothers are doing far more harm than good in the face of those who have not found Jesus Christ as their personal savior. Those who are ministering incorrectly will be held accountable. Those who are doing good will be rewarded.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)
This scripture does not say to minister only to believers. There is an emphasis on ministering to believers, but all people are included without restriction.
I have intentionally left out references to those who criticize the good efforts of Rick Warren and other well known preachers and authors. I have not read any of Warren's books in entirety and I am not biased in his favor. I have read some of "The Purpose Driven Life" but I have not found time to complete it. What I did read was not flowing with criticisms like the things I have read about the seeker friendly practices that Warren is criticized about. I look at the criticism of Rick Warren and others as far from loving. Any preachers or churches that are deviating from the word of God will answer for it one day. That day is not today and we are not the judges. The last few verses of the Bible make clear the result of misusing the Bible.
And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the prophetic words of this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. And if anyone removes any of the words of this prophetic book, God will remove that person's share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book.
He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon!"
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:18-20 (NLT)
I attend Seacoast Church in Mount Pleasant, SC. My church is seeker friendly as well as believer friendly. The Holy Spirit is alive and well in my church. I have met some of the most dedicated Christians I have ever encountered in my life. These are not Sunday morning dress up Christians. These are full blown, 24/7, fired up, and ready to share the good news of Jesus Christ anywhere anytime kind of Christians.
Remember to ask yourself a question when reading criticisms about the practices of other teachers, churches or preachers. Are the words you are reading likely to lead someone to Christ or away from Christ? Is the author following this scripture?
Never seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:17-19
When you enter into a church take the same approach at reviewing what you see. Are the practices of this church leading people towards Christ or away form Christ? Seek the final answer to these questions through prayer and then by reading the Bible for yourself. You do not have to be a preacher, teacher, author, or theologian to find answers through prayer and reading the word of God.
