“Worship is no longer worship when it reflects the culture around us more than the Christ within us”
-A.W. Tozer
I look around on a Sunday morning. It is inevitable. I know it. My family knows it. They know it. Pastor knows it.
Time passes. And, because the majority of our church body are elderly, their final moments are upon them. As Death greets each and every one through the coming years, it is one less member of our small body in the little old church built with stone. As each member passes into Glory, the chances increase. Like a Doomsday Clock that moves its hand ever so close to the final hour. The chances that the doors will be shuttered. The chances that the key will turn the lock one last time. The chances that the building will be forgotten. Only a passing relic to be consumed by weeds, vines, and spray paint. Not to mention the stones that Boredom will throw through the stained glass windows.
“That very church which the world likes best is sure to be that which God abhors.”
-Charles Spurgeon
This is the fate of the church of old. Traditional churches. Country churches. Cute little churches. “Grandma’s church”. And to many in Modern Christianity- Boring churches.
But what is to blame for these churches struggling to keep attendance? To keep attention? To keep the doors open? To survive? To thrive? To stay relevant with “the times”?
That is the word. “Relevance” is to blame.
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write… ‘I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.’”
-Jesus, from The Book of Revelation
Just down in the valley sits a church. A small brick building with a cross atop the steeple. Stained glass windows adorn the east and west sides, while a nice wooden door welcomes visitors on the north side. A small cemetery sits just behind the south end. On a good Sunday you may find around ten or so cars in the parking lot. Some elderly folk shuffle through the parking spaces, making their way up the steps or towards the handicap ramp. Except for the middle aged couple with a couple of kids. The family that is the hope of the future for the rest of the congregation. They pass by Pastor, an elderly man with silver hair and a black suit, and shake his hand. They all settle in after saying their “Good mornings!”. After the announcements and prayer requests, they open their worn out hymnals and sing songs from the days of old. Accompanied by a lone piano played by a great grandmother with 87.7% accuracy. But they will forgive her worn out, cold hands. After the plate is passed around, they again sing praises to God, together as one voice. Even if Louise is off key. Again. Pastor then takes just over half an hour of their time to either exposit Matthew 6, or the mind of his message is already decided and he searches The Word for verses to support his topic. Sometimes he just leaves the text behind and rambles. Must be his old age. But he means well. After “Amazing Grace” closes the service, some leave and some stay behind to catch up on Ethel and her bad knees. Betty tells young Jaisin just how adorable he is. Even if he is fourteen. And then the doors are closed. Some will be back later in the evening. Less will return on Wednesday.
“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write… ‘I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love…’”
-Jesus, from The Book of Revelation
Just above them on the mountain sits a large multimillion dollar structure. A tribute to modern architecture. Massive glass windows that are bigger than the little church down in the valley. A massive cross sits upon the north wall. It lights up at night. Did you know that? A playground on the south end puts the ones at the local parks to shame. And, just like the moat of an ancient castle, the boundaries are protected by a massive sea of asphalt. It is here that volunteers have to direct traffic every Sunday morning so as to prevent gridlock. Three times a morning. Because trying to fit 8,000 people into this building at once is a massive logistical nightmare. They walk into this complex. A few know each other. Most do not. Just offering a quick “Good Morning!” to complete strangers. Or are they strangers? Are they guests? Are they members? How long have they been there? Who knows?! After the congregants stop for their latte and scones (if they so choose to indulge), they then take one of the many auditorium seats to choose from. Soon after the lights go down. A video plays on the big screen behind the stage. A finely produced and edited short gospel film created by the church’s Media Team. A film created by teens and young adults, starring teens and young adults, to reach teens and young adults. Soon after the Worship Team takes center stage. Some people sing along. Some people stand, looking up with eyes shut and hands lifted. Some people step out into the aisle and dance. Some just stand in silence, confused as to what to do as they are unfamiliar with the melody and the lyrics. Maybe they should have memorized the latest Hillsong hit that came out last Tuesday. “Oohs” and “Ahhs” are heard as Evan breaks out into the guitar solo that he had practiced hard for this past week. The Praise Band flawlessly nails it with 100% accuracy. However, worship has to be cut short this Sunday. Because last week ten visitors raised their hand. And now they are being baptized. Do not ask which of the three services this is taking place in. Use your imagination. I certainly am right now. After everyone has given their testimony and taken the plunge, Pastor Brad steps forward to give a little message. And then deception steps in because he is only playing John The Baptist this morning. He announces that the real message will be brought by Senior Pastor Mike. Pastor Mike steps up to the glass stand, already adorned with an Aquafina and a coffee cup. Dressed in jeans and a slightly faded black T-shirt, he delivers a powerful message. A message about Hope. A message about Courage. A message about allowing the power of The Holy Spirit to radically change your perspective on Life. And then, ten minutes later, he closes with prayer. Reminding the audience that Jesus loves them. After a more quiet and modern rendition of “Just As I Am” by the Praise Band (also known as The Worship Team), another Pastor steps up to the mic to deliver a few announcements for the upcoming week, and a reminder about the meeting times for the various Life Groups. A vital program within the church. That many may connect with the strangers within their own church. Something that is a necessity when you have several thousand members. As the various attendees and families leave, they pass by the nameless What Are Their Names that are directing the outbound traffic and offering those with their windows down an affirming “God Bless!”. Another flawlessly executed Sunday service in the books. Great job Production Team!
So what exactly is the contrast? What sets apart the struggling Middle Valley Baptist Church and the vibrant mountain top Revitalization Church? Is it theology? Is it methodologies in worship? Is it a thousand programs directed towards the children? Is it the coffee? Scones?
“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write… I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols…’”
-Jesus, from The Book of Revelation
Some would say that it is indeed theology. That Pastor Mike has tapped into the souls of his congregation with The Truth of God’s Word. And it is this that draws hungry and weary souls in. However, nothing can be further from the truth. I have watched, listened to, and attended services in churches that hold names such as “Revitalized Church”, “Redemption Church”, “Resurrection Church”, “Revolution Church”, and many other churches with a name that starts with “R”. But, like Stephen Furtick’s “Elevation Church”, many either preach bad theology or a weak gospel message. Especially the latter. It is common in these churches to hear a short inspirational message right after the mini concert that The Praise Band puts on. Messages that essentially teach you how to cope with Life by the power of Jesus. How to be a better person, neighbor, and employee. It is seldom that you would hear a megachurch pastor preach on Sin and Repentance for the believer. It is seldom that you would hear him confront the sins of The World. Because these Seeker Friendly Churches do not want to offend. If they preach a message that causes Man to turn his eyes inward to bear witness to his own corrupt heart, then he may dislike the wretchedness that he sees and make a run for the door. Or the simple request to do such a sacrificial gesture will drive him away. Therefore they must preach a message that causes Man to feel good about himself. Maybe even to inspire himself to do better in Life. It is common for these churches to provide the slogan “Come as you are!”. As, technically, this is a sincere thought for all churches. However, when your message is void of The Gospel, Repentance, Salvation, Sanctification, and Holiness, then you are inadvertently saying “… and leave as you came.”
Aside from weak comforting inspirational messages that tickle the ears, there is also Worship. We are an entertainment based society today. Thanks to 24/7 access to media via The Smartphone. We wear earbuds all day and all night with music constantly streaming no matter where we are. We disconnect from The World by connecting to our devices that enslave us. Our attention is wired into short videos on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Which, in time, naturally creates a shorter attention span within our minds. It is not uncommon for us to lock ourselves into our homes for an entire weekend in our pajamas, binge watch an entire season of our favorite shows on Netflix while having McDonald’s Door Dashed to our front porch while we silently watch the whole thing unfold on our Ring Camera, that we may avoid interacting with a stranger. So it is only natural that we hunger for entertainment. The Seeker Friendly Church knows this. This is why it is common practice to have some sort of video play at some point during the service. This is why it is common for The Praise Band to turn their half-stacks up to 11, fire up the mood lighting, plug in the fog machine, and put on a concert chock full of the most modern worship music. A concert that takes up a great portion of the service. This is why it is common for the Seeker Friendly Pastor to deliver his inspirational message that clocks in at under fifteen minutes. Messages that many times include references to secular culture (not in criticism, but in example), props, and gimmicks. Because to the fleshly Christian, surrendering to words alone is not enough to retain their attention. It is also common for these churches to use those gimmicks to entertain and make church fun, as well as to draw the unchurched. Such as “Dress up as your favorite super hero Sunday”, or “Wear your favorite team jersey on Super Bowl Sunday”. Where Pastors such as Mike reference The Avengers: Endgame, using Thanos as an example of The Spiritual Enemy, or he tosses a football through a tire to exemplify how Christians need to “hit the mark”.
Not just is there a great emphasis on worldliness in music and message within The Seeker Friendly Church, but there is a great emphasis on comfort. Many shun the idea of dressing well to come into “The Lord’s House” on The Lord’s Day. I am not advocating that it makes a difference. It has no bearing on Salvation. However, when the church makes it a point to encourage people to dress down to worship, then they lose sight as to why Christians choose to dress well to begin with. I will never forget that time that Celebrity Pastor Steven Furtick released a video blasting Christians for dressing well for church. Insinuating that they are fakes and that their choice to dress well is a “Holier than thou” mask that they hide behind. That silly Steven!
Ironic it seems that the more sloppy the dress in the pulpit, the more sloppy the theology. Coincidence?
“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write… ‘I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent.’”
-Jesus, from The Book of Revelation
The problem with creating a Seeker Friendly Church is the means to the end. The goal is to keep the church body entertained and engaged, as well as to attract the unchurched who would have otherwise never attended church in the first place. This creates a problem for both audiences. First, for the churched, it creates a fleshly version of Christianity. A version that says “I like Revolution Church because the music rocks. It’s not those boring out of touch hymns that my grandma likes to sing. I also like to wear jeans instead of a stuffy old suit or khakis. We’re a big church, so I don’t really have to talk to anyone. I love the coffee. So much better than Starbucks. And Pastor Steve is so funny and awesome!” Notice that there was not any mention of a convicting sermon? There was no mention of being broken of The World? Repentance? Salvation? Holiness? Sin? Most of these churches lack these things in their service. Well, maybe not “salvation”. Because at some point the emotions are whipped up by the moving instrumentals and the heart touching inspirational messages, thus causing the attendants to raise a hand, walk the aisle, fill out a card, or send a text message. In time the baptisms will be done en masse. The problem is that this results in weak Christians that only attend said church because it meets their fleshly desires. The music is what they want. The atmosphere is what they want. The inspirational message is what they want. Church answers to them. Therefore, they could not survive going to the boring church down in the valley, where they literally cast aside fleshy wants to come together in humility and reverence. The second issue is that The Seeker Friendly Church ascribes to be entertaining and worldly for The Unchurched and The Sinner. If they desire to come to your church because the music rocks and the pastor is cool, then they are not showing up for the Salvation that their weary souls cry out for. They are only coming for righteous entertainment that shaves off a part of the guilt that they carry for being ungodly. They may even think that Salvation has found them simply because they show up. They are not showing up to meet Jesus, the humble Lamb that takes away the sins of the world. No. They are there to meet Jesus, The Homeboy.
The centerpiece for The Seeker Friendly Church is not Christ. Although they may proclaim that indeed He is the focus of worship. No, the focus is the one that does the worshiping. Not The One that should be worshipped. Therefore, the method of church has to be done in a way that not just appeals to the fleshly desires of the congregation (in music and dress especially), but also keeps them in spiritual comfort. It is very common to hear from the Seeker Friendly Congregants the rebuke “This is how I prefer to do worship you legalist!”. Notice “I prefer”?
“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write… ‘I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…’”
-Jesus, from The Book of Revelation
Theology is not what drives people into Seeker Friendly Churches. As I had alluded to before, the theology behind the sermons is weak. It is a matter of tickling the ears. To allow the audience to not be offended by Sin in and of itself. Not to drive them to look into the mirror to come face to face with the Wickedness within. Because many people in Modern Christianity do not want to come face to face with The Darkness. Because to see what lies within is uncomfortable. What we may find within may be something that we cannot handle. They want to feel good about themselves as they are. They do not want to become broken spiritually. That they have to watch their old self die. They do not desire spiritual confrontation. They want to have The World and Jesus too. This is why surface level Christianity satisfies and is rampant in Modern Christianity. Because instead of digging deep into the soul to rid themselves of the cancer that is worldliness and unrighteousness, they feel that they have satisfied the Grace of God by dancing to the debut of the latest Jesus Culture song. That all that they have to do before the Throne of Grace is love thy neighbor. Believe it or not, to empty yourself of your desires and to come to God in humility and reverence makes a world of difference when it comes to worship. Because it is becoming less like you to meet God on His level. Otherwise, it is setting your standards for worship and then expecting God to come up to your level.
Have you ever noticed that in many of the Seeker Friendly Churches, you rarely see the hip and cool pastor reading from a Bible? Have you ever noticed that the congregation rarely opens one to follow along? I just thought that I would throw that thought out there.
Now, there are exceptions to the rule. There are large mega structures out there, that cast shadows on the valley church below, that preach God’s truth. Some of these pastors are men of renown. Many of which you may have heard of. There are also small Grandma churches out in the countryside that are home to some of the worst preaching that you will ever hear. I once sat through a two hour sermon at our former little Church of God out in the country, where the man (who was also auditioning for our vacant pastor position) preached that Christians should be fully healthy if there is no sin in their life, that if you are sick then it is because you are not right with God, and that we should be able to raise the dead. I remember thinking “Somebody please stop him!”. Sadly, it was Easter morning. Lots of family plans were ruined that afternoon because he went over by an hour and a half with his hot air balloon of nonsense.
“A time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the church will have clowns entertaining the goats.”
-Charles Spurgeon (attributed to)
Let me leave you with a few stories before I close.
I remember my direct supervisor at The Electrical Supply Company (the first one) had, for the lack of a better phrase, “found Jesus” several months before I departed. I recall him sharing his excitement with me with his newfound discovery. The radio at work spent less time on the classic rock and modern country stations and landed more often on the Contemporary Christian station. He started reading his Bible again. I remember him asking my advice on helping to pick out a Bible for his stepson for Christmas. “Which translation? Should I get it engraved?”. Then he started attending church. This church in particular is famous in our county. It is a massive megachurch complex that sits in the middle of the fields. A few houses surround it that had to adapt to the new eyesore. As a matter of fact, it stands out just as bad as a data center. If you encounter someone in our county, or neighboring counties, that claim to go to church, and you ask where they go, there is a 50/50 probability that they will answer with this church. As a matter of fact, simply by my description alone, you know exactly what church I am speaking of if you are from around here. We pass by it every time we travel to my Father in Law’s. Now you know exactly what church I am speaking of if you know me personally.
This is your typical church on the mountain that I described earlier. Praise Band with the lights turned down low and lightning to set the mood. Multiple pastors serving every corner of the building. Programs and props. The usual. Everything that you can imagine to draw in the crowds. I was happy to hear that Former Supervisor was attending church. I particularly do not care for this church, but at least he was attending a church.
Time had passed after my departure when I got the text from my former colleague, Mr. Accounts Payable. Former Supervisor was fired. I was stunned, so I texted Former to ask what was going on. Aside from losing his job, he had just been through a divorce. He also quit going to the megachurch. I was heartbroken for him. His life was falling apart. If anything, he needed Church during such a trying time. He needed Christ.
Much to my surprise, just a few weeks ago, he walked into my current place of employment, The Electrical Supply Company (the second one). He was grinning ear to ear and showing off his new position as Salesman To A Local Electrical Company. We got to talking about Faith, and I was surprised to hear that the reason that he had left The Eyesore Church was not because his life had fallen apart and that he had given up on God. It was because, in his words, “The church was more like a business, and less like a church”. Like many Seeker Friendly Churches, they focused more on techniques, systems, and ideologies on how to earn the audience and keep them in their seats. And less on how to surrender to Christ in Holiness and to glorify him in reverence. Former Supervisor now drives an hour every Sunday to attend a small country church with his brother, where an elderly man with silver hair and a black suit feeds him The Word of God in Truth. And his soul is satisfied. As a matter of fact, I have known others who have left their little country church, to chase after the shining trinkets and flashy lights of The Eyesore Church. Only to leave and return to the small church in the valley. Because, evidently, when the god of the church is consumerism, it leaves people spiritually malnourished.
I will never forget the time, when my family was church homeless, that we were suggested to attend a Seeker Friendly Church. At least we found out that is what it was when we got there. The lights were down to movie theater levels, that way the focus on the audience would be set on The Praise Team. Or Worship Team. Or Praise Band. Or Worship Band. Or whatever. I could barely see My Bride and children, who were sitting right beside me. Nor could I hear them because the decibels at the concert were set at 160. I remember looking past the crowd and seeing an elderly couple just standing there, no idea what to do. I was only able to catch the glimpse because they were barely illuminated by the bright lights of the stage. Because they, like us, were completely unfamiliar with the Hillsong/Elevation Worship inspired music that was being played. Because we, like they, were completely out of our element as we were not dancing, singing, or jumping up and down. I do not recall the short inspirational message that was preached. I do not recall if there was any scripture tied to the message. I cannot remember if there were any Bible verses shared in the Power Point presentation on the large screen. I do know, however, that to bring a Bible was not necessary. Not that you could see to read it anyway.
The problem with The Church on The Mountain is that they have forgotten their first Love. They focus more on the crowd than they do Christ. They concern themselves so much with entertainment, style, image, methodologies, and programs that they lose sight of what is important. The goal is to draw people in by appealing to their fleshly desires, and to keep them there. The goal is to appease the unchurched. And for both, the goal is to not offend as to drive the numbers away. Ultimately, it is a numbers game. What you end up with is a watered down Gospel. One that does not confront the Sin of The World and The Darkness within our own hearts. One that casts Jesus not as the confrontation to said Sin, but as a soft, pathetic hippy that seeks only to love everyone. A love that is void of justice. A love that says “Come as you are because I love you… but leave as you came that I do not offend you…”
But we are a fleshy people obsessed with entertaining ourselves. In time the church in the valley will succumb to the dust because they refuse to compromise. The silver haired pastor refuses to put away his suit and borrow his grandson’s Saturday night attire. The traditionalists refuse to box up the hymnals, only to install the massive monitor that they can set their eyes upon and follow along in unfamiliar territories. They refuse to leave their Bible at home. I suppose, since they refuse to mimic The World, that they can prepare themselves to become church homeless.
Maybe the church on the mountain can annex the church in the valley, conforming it into a satellite church. I hear another five hundred want to attend.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
-Jesus, from The Book of Revelation
