A PASTOR'S REFLECTION ON THE BIG THREE!

I think like a pastor - sorry!  After many years in the ministry, it's a liability!  

I love the holy days in our year!  I always planned more carefully for these celebrations.  For one reason, more people attend on Christmas and Easter!  [Mother's Day runs a close third!  😉]  

I heard an interview yesterday where a reporter spoke of her Episcopalian pastor who always joked that on Christmas Sunday he should begin his message with the words: "As I was saying...", in order to connect with all the people who had last attended on Easter Sunday!  I have to admit, I did find that story to be funny!  

But, bottom line, we rejoice on any Sunday when people come to worship!  This same pastor coached his people every year on the Sunday before these novalike Sundays.  He reminded his congregation before Easter and Christmas to be welcoming to these people who would fill the seats on the next Sunday.  He encouraged them to be friendly and accepting.  He ended by echoing how good it would be if some of these folks began attending more often!  [I think I would like this pastor!]

Now that I'm retired, I feel freer to express myself.  It always has bothered me how big a deal we make of Christmas.  Hey, don't get upset with me - hear me out, please.  

It is a great holiday and I have celebrated it creatively and enthusiastically through the years.  But...[you knew that was coming, didn't you?]

Celebrating the arrival of Christ - especially recalling the dramatic and utterly remarkable details of the narrative - certainly welcomes celebration and wonder!  We should replicate that night and its WONDER-FULL events and meaning!  My childlike mind lights up with the celebration of Christmas.

But let's keep things in perspective.  The primary reason for us to celebrate Christmas is because it set the stage for us to observe and commemorate what happened on Easter [Resurrection Sunday]!  This is the believer's true HOLY-DAY!  This is the day that transformed us:

• from darkness to light
• from despair to hope
• from eternal punishment to eternal life and joy
• from death to life!

It's a delicate balance that we should speak about with our families and children.  

WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS BECAUSE OF THE COMING OF CHRIST!

WE CELEBRATE RESURRECTION SUNDAY BECAUSE OF THE REDEEMING SACRIFICE OF CHRIST!

Both are high, holy days for the follower of Christ!  

_________________________

Actually - while I'm on the topic - I have always been disappointed in the frequent failure to celebrate Pentecost Sunday [which is traditionally observed fifty days after Easter.]  

As we recall the events of that day, we must recognize the dynamic meaning it has for us!   

This is delicate, but let's look closely:

If we generally recognize the Old Testament Period as dominated and led by God-the-Father...

And if we generally recognize most of the New Testament as being dominated by JESUS [God-the-Son]...

Then, isn't it reasonable that we should also recognize the period after Christ's ascension as dominated by the HOLY SPIRIT [God-the-Spirit]?

WE LIVE IN THE AGE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!  WE SHOULD CELEBRATE AND OBSERVE THIS!  WE ARE WRITING THE REST OF THE BOOK OF ACTS!

A few years ago, the Bethel Church added a dramatic celebration on this day to help us catch the glory and wonder of Pentecost.  Three men from the congregation entered the sanctuary speaking the 'GOOD NEWS' in their native languages: Chinese, Turkish and Italian!  It helped the congregation to appreciate the original circumstances of this day historically!  It added meaning, value and a little bit of humor to our Lord's Day!

I can't overemphasize the need for creativity in worship - especially in the 21st century!  We must recognize the values of TRADITION, while also translating it to a post-Christian population!  To refuse or fail to do so runs a significant risk of being irrelevant!  Irrelevance produces no fruit!  It is likely the reason we are closing so many churches in our American culture.  

The Church should be one of the most creative places in our culture!  We have the most important message!  We have a God-assigned responsibility!  We are compelled to engage those who have not recognized Jesus as Lord in a way that challenges them intellectually, reasonably, boldly, relevantly and creatively!  WE ARE THE CHURCH!  WE HAVE A MISSION!  WE HAVE THE EMPOWERMENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!    

HOW TO FIX A RUINED WORLD

I suppose every generation tends to think that cultural demise is a terrible thing.  The longer we live, the more changes we tend to see.  The changes feel abrupt to us.  It rattles our comfort zone!  We are prone to think of the changes in negative light.  

These changes inevitably catch our attention and cause alarm:

• increased violence in the global culture
• the fear of a major upheaval that threatens our long-established freedoms
• the redefinition of the traditional family structure
• an invasion of illegal immigrants that is creating irreversible impact
• the fear of war that could change the structure of our world

The list could be expanded...

However, other changes have been beneficial:

• social media that allows us to stay in contact with friends from around the world
• entertainment technology that allows us to tailor what we watch to that which is acceptable
• the knowledge that although Christianity is faltering in America, it is prospering and growing in other parts of our world
• transportation systems and freedom of movement that allow us to travel widely
• in spite of high inflation, financial stability is still possible for many

Currently, two movements are clashing, each of which promises hope and prosperity in the future.  An election is currently underway that will give precedence to the winning designee.  We all wait with hope and bated breath to see what the results will be...

But regardless of the outcome, the world will go on.  A miniscule number may flee in hopes of finding greater security elsewhere, but the vast majority will react, adjust and continue to strive for security, stability and peace.

But the truly discerning realize that our hope is not in a savior, but in a Savior!  

Dividing lines divide!  They always have and always will!  

Conflicting views will continue regardless of the election results.  

An old hymn states: "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' Name.  On Christ, the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand - ALL OTHER GROUND IS SINKING SAND!"  

Pastor Edward Mote wrote this hymn in The United Kingdom in 1834.  That year, England had four different Prime Ministers.  Public hanging was abolished in England.  One year earlier, slavery in England was abolished.  Parliament and the Palace of Westminster were destroyed by fire.  The word 'scientist' was first used in the QUARTERLY REVIEW, but it was noted that it was "not generally palatable".  The first trade unions were being established.  The able-bodied poor could only receive government aid if they entered government-run work houses.  Immorality was so rampant that the government ruled "authorities should no longer attempt to identify the fathers of illegitimate children in order to recover support for them."  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1834_in_the_United_Kingdom]

Like today, Pastor Mote must have observed negative and positive influences at work in his culture.  His resolution was to point people to something that would sustain them in spite of the upheavals they were experiencing.  

We would be wise to follow his example in 2024.  

We must revive spiritual hope in our culture!  Most of us wouldn't consider writing a hymn to influence others (although I wouldn't rule it out!  😊).  But what can we do to turn people's hearts and minds toward a genuine faith?  

I believe our responses will need to be creative, innovative and radical!  

For instance:  [Re-read the former line before proceeding!]

1. I sincerely believe that the church needs to return to the home!  Perhaps not entirely, since there are churches that are growing and making a difference in people's lives.  However, most churches do a poor job of genuinely intersecting in people's lives.  The average person who is trying to live a Christian life needs accountabilty that isn't being offered in most churches!  They need to know others intimately and be given an environment where they can regularly share personal needs and exercise their gifts in a warm and loving community.  I believe that a house-church movement will be essential in enabling this kind of deep fellowship and connection.
2. Innovations like THE CHOSEN movie/television series is opening doors for influencing people in an impactful way!*  Non-followers viewing this series WILL HAVE QUESTIONS!  Some will need to be reminded of the liberties that the creators have included.  All will need to be sent to the Bible to discover "the rest of the story" [to borrow a Paul Harvey line].  These episodes could be utilized in a house-church [small group] and trigger ongoing discussions and study that could vitally impact the way people are living their lives!
3. The American church needs desperately to reinvent itself in line with the Holy Spirit!  Remember: we live in the period of the acts of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the apostles!  THAT'S US!  Think about it!  As soon as a church builds a building, they have set a limit on their growth and capacity for ministry!  The day of cathedrals is long past!  We need to think invasively!  Bible study groups in coffee shops!  Rent out a roller skating arena and play Christian music - open to ALL and FREE!  Yard sale after church where everyone who attends gets to buy items REALLY CHEAP [Give the proceeds to the Red Cross!]  Outdoor worship events that coincide with a car show; offer free food!   
4. Christian groups that repeatedly offer or sponsor:

• Divorce Care Groups
• Financial Recovery Groups
• Grief Share Groups
• Twelve-Step Groups
• Depression Support Groups
• Bible for Dummies Groups
• First Steps in the Christian Life Groups

            [The leaders of these groups need to be carefully selected and highly capable!]

    5. Churches that are less encumbered with enormous building debt burdens and that are not focused on recruiting people to work in the church as teachers, leaders, nursery workers, youth leaders, committee members, etc..  Instead, churches that recruit and equip people to serve in community-based agencies, efforts, projects and endeavors where evidence of their faith leaves a positive impression on the neighborhood!  Imagine a village or town where the community leaders considered the local church as a resource for getting projects resourced and accomplished!

    6.  Christ-followers who live out their faith day-to-day in the workplace and neighborhood in such a way that their example draws people to them and to Christ!  People whose lives regularly intersect with others and leave the fragrance of Christ in their trail!

Anemia/anemic [according to Miriam/Webster] means:

1. a condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells, in hemoglobin, or in total volume.
2. lacking force, vitality or spirit.
3. lacking interest or savor.

The American Church is clearly lacking force, vitality and Spirit!  It also lacks interest in its Savior!  Instead of changing its culture, IT'S BEING CHANGED BY ITS CULTURE - AND NOT IN GOOD WAYS!  

I pray and long to see it be transformed!  

Here are the other verses to Pastor Motes' hymn:

When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace.

In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood, support me in the whelming flood.

When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found;

Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne!

On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand - 

ALL OTHER GROUND IS SINKING SAND!

_____________________________________________________________________________

"Jesus said to them, 'Who do you say that I am?'

Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'

And Jesus said to him,

'Blessed are you, Simon, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you,

but My Father who is in Heaven.

I also say to you that upon this rock [of truth]

I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH

AND THE GATES OF HADES WILL NOT OVERPOWER IT.'"

___________________________________________________[Matthew 16:15-18 Amended)]

*  I do not like EVERYTHING about The Chosen series.  I struggle with some of the liberties they take with the narratives [and have written to the creators to express my opinions].  However, the creativity is unparalleled.  I end almost every episode in tears and expressions of joy!  Debbie and I have viewed the first three seasons at least four times and will continue...

DIVIDE AND CONQUER

The strategy of 'divide-and-conquer' has been known and used by commanders of armies and war strategists forever.  King David and his armies repeatedly used it in his Old Testament exploits.  

Our spiritual enemy also understands this strategy and employs it against the church of Jesus Christ persistently and effectively.  Our history reveals the effects of this destructive opposition!

Sadly, the story of Christianity is one of division.  We see conflicts emerge even in the New Testament record when Paul's ministry began including non-Jews in the church.  Acts 15 is titled "The Jerusalem Council" and describes the resolution of a conflict regarding these new gentile believers.

Even before that, Paul and Barnabas had a falling out over the inclusion of a young convert named John Mark.  

After the death and resurrection of Christ, over several hundred years the Church had repeated councils that met - sometimes for long periods of time - to try to resolve the theology that would characterize the Church!  Frequently these councils produced creeds that are still used today to define the parameters of our faith!  [Examples: The Nicaean Creed (325 A.D). and The Chalcedonian Creed (451 A.D).

After this defining season of our faith, history entered the period of the 'Dark Ages'.  The Roman Catholic Church stood in distinction from the Orthodox churches of the east throughout this 1000 year span.  

In the fourteenth century the church imploded with the actions of a monk named Martin Luther.  Other reformers like John Calvin, Thomas Cranmer, John Knox, and Henry VIII became involved in the creation and formation of Protestantism in its varied forms.  This process was needed, but was unfortunately marked by instances of desire for selfish gain and subject to manipulation.  

The further dividing of the Church from then to now has been a tragedy that has created a  denominational progeny of a proportion that is nearly unimaginable.  The "body of Christ" has been decimated!

Of late, I've been noticing a manifestation of this brokenness that saddens me.  The political scene in America has become rife with hatred, accusation and division.  It's hard to avoid or ignore the tension it has created in our culture.  Much of this tension and animosity plays out in the social media of our day.

The recent phenomena that I've observed is the condescension of those who are of a mature faith and a higher mind, who seem to be turning on simpler-minded people who see things in a more black-and-white manner.  

Since the Olympics began my observation of this has magnified.  Whether or not you have weighed in on the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics is a personal matter.  Perhaps you didn't even see it and wonder what the hoopla is about?  Some have chosen to defend the supposed portrayal of the Lord's Last Supper by roles that most Christians would find offensive and inflammatory.  

Others have declared themselves by refusing to view the Olympics as a statement of opposition.  Many of these have felt strongly enough in their offense to post about their thoughts in social media forums. Still others - who may represent a greater maturity of faith and a broader willingness to understand the complexities of subtle meanings and artistic forms - have moderately mocked those of simpler faith for their reactive responses even offering more mature, spiritual manners of response.  

Keep in mind that both groups consider themselves to be of common faith - "the body of Christ".  

A certain modicum of grace would be expected to characterize those who would demean, ridicule or disown those of lesser faith and experience.  Proverbs 16:18 comes to mind:  

"Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall."  

If the suggestion that this breach of the walls of unity is perpetrated by our spiritual enemy, then we can openly lament this friction and the pain that subsequently follows.  

It is clear that - as people of faith - we must resist and denounce Satan's attempts to divide and conquer the Church!  Those of more mature faith, higher education and deeper understanding and foresight must exercise patience with those whose walk is less established and whose reactive factor may be more volatile.  Biblically it's called GRACE!

It's nice to be right, but it's really important to be genuinely righteous!

LONGING FOR MORE

I'm growing weary of announcements, four songs, a prayer and a message.  

Surely we've lost something in the American Church!  

We've had it, but we seem to have lost it - maybe not everywhere, but in most of our churches.

The years of my life have been marked by rich times of worship that imprinted deeply on my mind and heart.  

Ask yourself: Do you really look forward to Sunday?  Are you excited about worshipping God?  Do you sense a thrill as you walk into the worship center?  Do you head for the best seats, or crowd into the back seats?  

Most of all, do you experience God's presence as you worship?  

Do you occasionally have a sense that He's dealing with you?  ...calling you?  ...loving you?

It seems possible that we've programmed the Spirit out of our services by our pre-planning and printed orders of worship.  

The performance mode of worship that has inundated the church for the past thirty years has sedated the congregant.  Is it possible that we fail to see ourselves as participants today - we're observers of the performers.  We applaud at the appropriate times and sit quietly in the dark as watchers.  

Is this what we want?  Did I miss the vote on this?  

Now, I must confess that I've seen the extremes.  I've seen chaos and it doesn't glorify God!  I visited a church where many brought tamborines to church - most had no idea of how to use them.  It was NOT edifying.  I've been in worship where people danced down front.  I found myself wondering if they were doing it for God's glory or their own.  

Pentecostal churches may have life, but it often seems chaotic and generated.  That's not what I yearn for.  

I'm quite certain that we all differ in our expectations and desires.  But, at the same time, I think we all know when God really shows up!  Call it holy awe or a divine presence; but whatever you call it, He makes Himself known!  

That's why so many of these moments - not all, but many - are actually marked by silence and deep reverence. 

Who are we actually worshipping?  

Sensitive worship leaders observe and 'read' the worshippers.  She/he adapts and responds.  This is an acquired practice that emerges from experience and a close walk with God!  

Bottom Line:

We don't come to church to sing.  We don't come because of a good preacher.  We don't come out of obligation or habit.  We don't come to see our friends.  

We come to deliver our worship!  He is worthy!  He is ALWAYS worthy!  I have things to thank Him for.  I just want to be in His presence!  I want to worship!  I may want to call on Him!  I want to experience His presence!

But I don't always get the opportunity to do these things because everything is pre-planned and arranged so fully.  

What would it take to move in this direction?  A courageous pastor?  A sensitive worship leader?  A team that is willing to adapt mid-stream?  A greater sensitivity to the movements of the Spirit?  Why is this so hard?  

How far does the American church have to fall before it realizes that it's missing the mark?  

A NEW GENERATION OF CHURCH LEADERS

I came across this convicting excerpt that Senate Chaplain Richard C. Halverson, prayed in the Senate, December 2,1981:

"Forgive the churches, O God, for demanding that Congress legislate a morality that the churches fail to produce among their members."

This forty-three-year-old statement is even more penetrating today!

It's difficult to talk about the American Church as one body.  There are distinctions when it comes to:

• the fractured denominationalism in the U.S.  
• the waning influence of liberal mainline denominations
• the existence of very large, multi-site churches with diverse programs to appeal to a broad audience and small, country churches with less impressive numbers but dedicated cores

One thing is certain:  COVID-19 was the great leveler!  The AP broke a story about many houses of worship in the U.S. that were shuttered forever due to the pandemic.  So many churches closed their doors, unable to survive financially with the severe decline in attendance and tithes.

According to data collected in April/May 2020 by Barna Group, one-in-three practicing Christians dropped out of church completely during COVID-19. What’s worse, church membership in the U.S. dropped below 50% for the first time in 2020, according to Gallup data dating back to 1940. 

Many churches that remain are struggling to continue to exist.  A minority have managed to survive by taking advantage of the tech revolution that enables people to stay at home, yet view worship.  No statistics are available to indicate the financial support given by these 'viewers'.  

Recent decades have produced hurdles to recruiting workers - especially for children's and youth ministries.  Intensive background checks are essential - even for pastors - which is, of course, necessary in today's culture!

Continuing moral failures by high-recognition pastors diminishes people's confidence in their spiritual leaders.  

Halverson's comment was made at a time when the church still played a dominant role in influencing people's lives and the political scene!  Not so today!  

___________________________________

The problem described above is more an indictment of cultural demise than of the decline of the local church!  Perhaps some blame lies with the church for failing to adapt and change to match the massive shifts in the culture.  The church has never been known to be a fast adaptor.  

Another factor is the aging out of a large quadrant of baby-boomer pastors!  Largely called during the 1960's and 70's, properly educated at theological schools, and deployed across the church, these leader's influence carried the church into the technological age and then retired.  

Those who followed may or may not be properly educated.  The newer generation of church leaders do not seem to be interested in caring for people.  Rather, they tend to view themselves as CEO's who desire to lead the church from their office!  

In one situation I know of, a young leader asked her new pastor if he would make a few visits to older members with her and show her how to handle that ministry.  His response: "I don't do visiting."  

This generation seems determined to grow great churches using high-tech methods to pack the house without having to really care about the people.

______________________________

 

I led churches from 1976 - 2016.  After a break, I am now leading a church again as an interim.  One of the methods I employed throughout the years was by writing lots of notes to people in the churches.  I sent thank-you notes to teachers, team members, ushers and greeters, board members, and anyone who I saw doing kind and caring things in the church.  Most Mondays, I would drop thirty to forty home-made cards in the mail.  

Of course, I resumed doing this in my new interim role.  Several people have responded by saying, "I've never received a note from a pastor before!"  

Sad as it may be, it appears that caring for people is not the motivation of many current leaders.  Instead it may be how quickly they can grow a big church and be recognized for their leadership.  

This does not bode well for a recovery of authentic ministry.  

COVID-19 EFFECTS ON THE CHURCH

We may never be able to determine the full impact that the COVID 19 pandemic had on the church worldwide. 

One facet alone is that almost every church had to quickly discover how to project worship services online!  For small congregations with limited resources and little or no equipment, this was a major stretch.  

We’ve all likely seen poorly produced worship services with many empty seats and little zoom capability.

Churches that had already begun to use the internet had a huge leap on all others!  Some were quite adept and polished in their presentations.  Using multiple cameras, on-stage cameras, a coordinated mixer and the ability to fuse camera shots became the dream of all. 

Congregants were taught to worship from home in the same way that workers were encouraged to work from home!   Churches suffered from a lack of attendance.  Churches closed because of a dearth of tithes and offerings! 

In many places, evangelism faltered as churches struggled just to keep the doors open! 

Even now, with the pandemic behind us, the church continues to struggle in many places.  Congregants always have the option of staying home to worship.  Does that really substitute for the exchange of greetings, fellowship, and contagion that results from worshiping in a ‘live’ environment?  This question could be actively debated. 

I read regularly of the goals and growth of my home denomination across Asia.  Pictures are posted almost daily of new believers being baptized into the body of Christ.  A goal has been set for a million new believers in the next several years!  Country leaders are ‘zooming’ prayer and strategy meetings as they encourage one another.  Large groups are being impacted as a result. 

But we rarely hear of or see this kind of growth and impact in the United States.  It is happening in rare pockets that have resisted the lethargy of sameness that has infected the American Church!  Copying successful platforms and models has been debilitating to the church for several decades now!  Local creativity and adjustment is listless!  Those who are innovative and quickly adjust to the needs and desires of their people are thriving and few! 

No paradigm will work in every situation!

Our buildings are considered a blessing, but the church’s greatest days – the first four centuries – had no buildings!  This is a fact that we often overlook!  During a pandemic, a building becomes an albatross! 

I have written about the ‘house-church movement’ in other places.  It is a viable alternative for the American Church that will not likely evolve because of our dependence on our facilities!  Yet it is exploding across Asia and has been for multiple decades! 

What will it take to see similar growth and life in the American Church? 

If you’re in an environment where convert growth is occurring – REJOICE!!!!!  Not only rejoice, but enlist in the momentous task of mentoring, coaching and befriending these new converts!  Your own life will be indelibly impacted as you walk alongside someone who is exploring the faith in all its newness! 

If you’re not in a place where vital faith is being expressed and experienced and new converts are coming in line with Christ – TWO OPTIONS:

1.       Talk with leaders and others from your church!  See if there is any interest in seeing a Spirit-Renewal.  Could an investment of energy and effort make a difference.  Will the structure of your church allow for this to occur?  God can bring revival ANYWHERE!  Are others seeking something more meaningful?  Are others discontent?  Is this just a drought period?  Is there a history of vibrancy that could be renewed?

2.       If you deem that it is not likely that renewal will occur where you are, then SEARCH!   Your own spiritual health and ultimate destination may depend on it!  Find a group who share your concerns and desires.  Be genuine!  Get close to God and His Word!  Share openly and honestly.  Become a God-directed catalyst for the development of something that will shake the earth and birth new lambs! 

Nothing will catalyze your life (and the life of your family) more than involvement in a vibrant, faith-filled, body of believers who are intent on seeing God’s will be done and His mission accomplished! 

A FAILING ENTERPRISE IN AMERICA?

"The sky is falling!  The sky is falling!"  [Chicken Little]

I don't want to be accused of pessimism, but a good dose of reality can be awakening.

A good friend of mine, Rick Anderson, posted an article on Facebook this morning titled:  U.S. Church Membership Falls Below Majority for First Time.  Most won't read it, so I'll provide the highlights:

U.S. Church Membership Falls Below Majority for First Time (gallup.com)

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• In 2020, 47% of U.S. adults belonged to a church, synagogue or mosque
• Down more than 20 points from turn of the century
• Change primarily due to rise in Americans with no religious preference

The analysis that I found most disturbing had to do with the various generations.  

                                                                   2020 member stats           1998-2020

Traditionalists (born before 1946)            66%                             -11 per. pnts.

Baby Boomers (1946-1964)                       58%                              -9 per. pnts.

Generation X (1965-1980)                         50%                              -12 per. pnts.

Millennials (1981-1996)                             36%                                   n/a

Generation Z (1996-2010)                          28%                                   n/a

[Keep in mind that each year the younger generations are making up an increasingly larger part of the entire U.S. adult population.]

Hal's observations:

1.  Church membership is just one way of measuring religion.  Membership has been de-emphasized in many churches in recent decades.  This may be a factor in the above stats.

2.  The effects of the COVID pandemic are yet to be fully realized and evaluated.  There is little doubt that the impact is significant!

3.  Somewhere in the last several decades the church began to model itself after nightclubs:  low lighting, performance modes of worship, theater seating, use of video and PowerPoint, larger venues, language changes (i.e. Sanctuary/Auditorium, Church/Campus).  One could deduce that these changes have been rejected by the religious populace.

4.  As far back as the 1980's, John Maxwell and others introduced the need for church leaders to transition from pastors to CEO's.  The emergence of mega-churches and highly recognized Christian leaders gradually created a downflow of new structures and methods to even small churches.  One could ask:  Has abandoning biblical models in favor of corporate models hurt our message?

5.  Music/worship changes have been enormous over the past couple of decades.  However, music transitions are not new to the church:  

• Hymns dominated church worship for centuries, 
• Gaithers, Gospel Music and country music (1960's to present), 
• Praise and Worship Music [Maranatha/Integrity] (1980's and 90's), 
• Performance-based contemporary music (1980's to present).  

For centuries we sang our theology;  since back-burnering this practice, has the church become anemic?  

________________________________________________