Change and the Church

Every decade there is some new movement that seeks to revitalize the local church. Some of these movements are a welcome relief while others are a wicked poison. Often the movements are not anything new, just a repackaged version of an older attempt at reform. Change is often the mantra of these movements and they are proclaimed as a panacea for the church. The doctrines of such movements should always be the first thing examined. The popularity of a movement is not an indicator of validity. Fascism has been very popular at times, but that does not mean it is a correct political approach. Animism has had more adherents than any modern religion, but we know it is not the correct religious approach. After theology, practice should be the next thing examined. Does the movement practice what it preaches? Does it encourage correct ethical behavior among its adherents? These would seem to be obvious concerns, but it is amazing how many people follow modern pied pipers who publish and profess lies.

We are constantly told about how we can better do church. Often the methods do not require any change of theology and only minor changes in practice. However, there are still troubling elements that often emerge from these movements. Why do modern churches feel the need to criticize traditional churches? Emergent and missional churches are quick to call traditional churches judgmental and insincere. Is the name calling not an indication that they are no different? They are quick to judge those who prefer to dress well for church - apparently sloven dress is intended to bring us closer to God. The problem is not the style of worship, but the aim and source of worship.

The goal of any church service should be to glorify God. Ultimately this cannot be done by human methods and means. The Holy Spirit must be the source of true worship. Only when God enables us to worship can we truly worship. If God is not the object of our worship, worship becomes a deluded form of entertainment. If God does not initiate worship, then we end up pursuing our own ideals of God and create idols in our image. These dangers exist in all churches, whether they are traditional, emergent or missional. Change is not the solution nor is it necessarily the problem. We must worship God in Spirit and in Truth.