WE MUST AVOID PETRIFYING THE GOSPEL

The King James Version of our Bible was written in 1611.  It's use was almost exclusive for over three hundred years.  When it was written, it was absolutely colloquial and contemporary.  Yet today it is safe to assume that it is only used in extremely conservative groups!  

Growing up in the 1950's and 1960's, the KJV was the only version that I read until my teen years when Ken Taylor began to produce The Living Bible.  It was so refreshing and relevant and in the language of the 1960’s. 

Many of the people in my early-life church even prayed in the language style of the KJV, using thee’s and Thou’s in their prayers.

It is only suitable to deduce that this kind of language use was petrified from the era of 1611.  Once upon a time it was relevant and essential.  But time evolved and the language morphed.  Today, we celebrate having the Bible available in translations that are in conversational language!  Relevance has been restored!

In recent months I’ve been enjoying a devotional book written by biblical scholar, William Barclay. I was stunned by the significance of his comments for today’s date referring to the use of the ‘Authorized Version’ [KJV]:

[REMEMBER – This was written well over fifty years ago.]

“Worship by so many has got to be in the language of the Authorized Version of the Bible.  But surely a twentieth-century man speaks to God in twentieth-century English.  The biggest barrier to prayer is the stagnation which insists on a special prayer language which is quite out of date.

But in worship there is also stagnation in the order of service.  For the person within the Church, and brought up within the Church, no doubt the accepted and traditional orders of service are hallowed and dear.  But when a man (sic) comes in from outside the Church, we cannot afford to go through the long preparation of prayer and praise and reading, or we lose him (sic).

We must talk to him almost at once.

After all, the Church must be concerned for the man (sic) outside.

There are fewer and fewer inside!”

Many readers will miss the power of Barclay’s statement by virtue of not knowing that it was his life’s mission to make the Bible understandable to the common student of the Word.  His seventeen volume study Bible (commentary) was/is an invaluable resource to pastors and students to this day!  It was my personal dream to own it, but I was not able to make that happen, so I settled for reading it in various libraries along my journey! 

I digress. 

Worship must be relevant! 

While attending Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, I leaned toward a more liturgical expression of worship.  But this was balanced by the use of praise and worship music that was exploding in the 1980’s.  Many churches are migrating toward increasingly liturgical forms of worship [even in my own ‘free’ tradition of Free Methodism].  I believe this creates barriers to convert growth.  Although I'm aware that MANY will disagree, I believe it is a form of petrifying the Gospel.

I currently worship in a Reformed Presbyterian church.  I am not drawn to the identical form used week after week – although I recognize that many are indeed comfortable with this format.  This church made a significant hire a few years ago of a new worship leader that has brought novelty and creativity to the leadership of worship via, instruments, new music, and the innovation of two distinct worship teams that alternate.  Her direction regularly infuses vibrancy into a rote form.  This IS a growing and vibrant church.

Our task is the task of our Lord: “to seek and to save the lost” [Luke 19:10]. 

During nine years of service in leading a church before we left for China, we tapped the talents of our people by creating a worship experience that was marked by creativity, engagement, variety, and stimulation.  How?

By using drama, humor, video clips, testimonies, three worship teams with unique styles, fill-in-the-blank worksheets, and worship experiences that involved the congregation in movement – such as:

·         Occasionally having the people bring their tithes and offering forward while singing a joyful song of praise.

·         Coming forward once-a-month to receive Holy communion.

The response to these specific plans was one of growth!  The church more than doubled in size and a second worship service was begun to allow for even greater growth!  For two years in a row the church was recognized by our denomination as a 'Multiplying Church'.

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Having led ministries for over forty years, I'm very familiar with the dynamics of trying to change the local church!  The resistance faced requires patience, love yet persistence.  This is the Kingdom of God and we are compelled to follow Him as He leads us into our world! 

Ever loving Lord,

Help us who have impact on the worship of our church to fearlessly innovate so that the common person will find relevance when they enter our sanctuary.  We want them to see You and come to know You!  This is far more important than meeting our needs for comfort and control.

For the Kingdom’s sake.  Amen.