Life and socialism and stuff

[The Fake Lonnie Finch]

I hear ya. What gets me is the new music. The wife and kids love it. I don't care for it much. If you can't sing or hear a good version of "Amazing Grace" now and then...without it being a funeral.....then where can you?

Rick

Agree with both. Visited a few churches in Frisco before settling into a smaller one with half or more "old" people. One that we visited was ridiculous. The music was so loud, my wife just walked out. I left when pastor guy amce out in hawaiian shirt.

I guess it's for some people, going to rock concert/backyard barbeque church. It wasn't for us.

The funny thing is, when I was young I didn't want to go to "old" people church. Now, I can't imagine going anywhere else.

It's been good to hear "It Is Well With My Soul" "There Is A God" as well as "Amazing Grace." My parents dragging me to church through high and low times somehow stuck deep within me.

Edited November 28, 2012 by The Fake Lonnie Finch

[Monkeypox]

Not religious these days, but, as an aside, I agree with you guys on the music. I've been known to wander into the occasional Christmas Eve service just for the hymnals. And I get irritated because a lot of my nephews' events are conducted within the "contemporary service."

[mattmartin817]

I'm glad that you have all validated my opinion on how terrible "Rock n Roll for Jesus" is. I don't exactly go to church on a regular basis but when I do I make sure to avoid contemporary services like the plague. I accidentally ended up in one, one time, unawares that my families church back home had swapped the 10:55 traditional service for a contemporary service. All I could think about the whole time was the south park christian rock band, faith + 1. Could not stop laughing.

.

[Coffee and TV]

I'm glad that you have all validated my opinion on how terrible "Rock n Roll for Jesus" is. I don't exactly go to church on a regular basis but when I do I make sure to avoid contemporary services like the plague. I accidentally ended up in one, one time, unawares that my families church back home had swapped the 10:55 traditional service for a contemporary service. All I could think about the whole time was the south park christian rock band, faith + 1. Could not stop laughing.

.

"Don't you see you're not helping Christianity, you're just making rock n roll worse?" - Hank Hill

[untgirl04]

My father served as a Minister of Music when I was growing up, so I've got quite a lot of experience with Sacred Harp Hymns, new hymns, and contemporary music. I think they all have their place. Those songs you call old hymns, some were originally drinking songs. Fanny Crosby (Blessed Assurance, I Am Thine oh Lord, etc) often used secular tunes. The Salvation Army did it as well. The whole point is remaining relevant in the evolving culture. Good churches are constantly trying new ways to reach the lost. I'm not saying it's all effective or completely pure in motive, but the best part is that God can use anything, regardless of how much we humans mess it up. Contemporary and traditional services both have their place because they allow people to worship in the way that best speaks to them.

Some of the additional buildings that churches build seem unconventional but are designed to meet people where they are. For instance, the church we attend built a new sports complex a few years ago. It was built to serve a community need for more safe places for children to get involved in sports because all the church leagues in the area had waiting lists. The complex is free and open to the public, and while there is a small coffee bar in the main house, we added it so moms could sit and talk while watching their kids play. Church members of all ages are encouraged to go to the complex and build friendships with people who use the facilities. So it's truly an outreach ministry. All that to say that some of those buildings really do have a higher purpose and while they may not be for you, they can reach others.

[KRAM1]

My father served as a Minister of Music when I was growing up, so I've got quite a lot of experience with Sacred Harp Hymns, new hymns, and contemporary music. I think they all have their place. Those songs you call old hymns, some were originally drinking songs. Fanny Crosby (Blessed Assurance, I Am Thine oh Lord, etc) often used secular tunes. The Salvation Army did it as well. The whole point is remaining relevant in the evolving culture. Good churches are constantly trying new ways to reach the lost. I'm not saying it's all effective or completely pure in motive, but the best part is that God can use anything, regardless of how much we humans mess it up. Contemporary and traditional services both have their place because they allow people to worship in the way that best speaks to them.

Some of the additional buildings that churches build seem unconventional but are designed to meet people where they are. For instance, the church we attend built a new sports complex a few years ago. It was built to serve a community need for more safe places for children to get involved in sports because all the church leagues in the area had waiting lists. The complex is free and open to the public, and while there is a small coffee bar in the main house, we added it so moms could sit and talk while watching their kids play. Church members of all ages are encouraged to go to the complex and build friendships with people who use the facilities. So it's truly an outreach ministry. All that to say that some of those buildings really do have a higher purpose and while they may not be for you, they can reach others.

Well said and from a perspective of experience as well. We attend a very traditional church here in Denton, but I have no problems at all with the churches who are trying to reach out to others who are a bit non-traditional. Nor do i have a problem with churches and gyms, bowling alleys, youth ski trips, etc., etc. Our church has what i would consider very low yout attendance because we are not large enough to have the funds to have much of a youth ministry. So, if you want to reach youth, young adults, at risk kids, etc., etc. you have to find a way to attract them on their own level and with something of interest except "fire and brimstone" from the pulpit.

Now, that being said, i would never attend one of these mega-churches. For me, I like the smaller churches where I can really feel a part of something and where, like Cheers, everyone knows your name and where I feel I actually make a difference. But, I hear from some of my mega-church friends that they feel the same about their houses of worship as I do mine. So, I guess it works for them and that's great.

As to "Rock and Roll Jesus"...well, why not? If it works for you, super. Enjoy the service and get something out of it. For me, if I want to go to a concert I will. But, I don't get the criticism...don't like the stuff...like me, just go elsewhere. But, don't use the size of the church or the program style offered as an excuse for not going at all. Just sayin...lots of different houses of worship and lots of different faiths. Like they say...there is something for everyone out there. If you are of a mind, i am sure you can find one that fits for you.

[UNTLifer]

My father served as a Minister of Music when I was growing up, so I've got quite a lot of experience with Sacred Harp Hymns, new hymns, and contemporary music. I think they all have their place. Those songs you call old hymns, some were originally drinking songs. Fanny Crosby (Blessed Assurance, I Am Thine oh Lord, etc) often used secular tunes. The Salvation Army did it as well. The whole point is remaining relevant in the evolving culture. Good churches are constantly trying new ways to reach the lost. I'm not saying it's all effective or completely pure in motive, but the best part is that God can use anything, regardless of how much we humans mess it up. Contemporary and traditional services both have their place because they allow people to worship in the way that best speaks to them.

Some of the additional buildings that churches build seem unconventional but are designed to meet people where they are. For instance, the church we attend built a new sports complex a few years ago. It was built to serve a community need for more safe places for children to get involved in sports because all the church leagues in the area had waiting lists. The complex is free and open to the public, and while there is a small coffee bar in the main house, we added it so moms could sit and talk while watching their kids play. Church members of all ages are encouraged to go to the complex and build friendships with people who use the facilities. So it's truly an outreach ministry. All that to say that some of those buildings really do have a higher purpose and while they may not be for you, they can reach others.

Very good post and I couldn't agree more.

The music arguement is funny to me. I had a pastor state, which I agree with, the is no such thing as Christian and non-Christian music, but there are Christian and non-Christian lyrics. Many also tend to forget that Jesus went out a preached to the people where they lived not requiring that they come to a fancy building/church and wear nice clothes. Many times He sought out the poor and needy that, in this day and age, would probably feel not welcome should they not have the right clothes to wear.

People are quick to be critical of churches and the Christian faith, yet churches were suffering due to lagging attendance and many had to find creative means to reach out to people. If providing a coffee shop or a place for recreation is part of the allure that initially brings people through the doors, then so be it. It is what happens once people enter that is important. I belong to what many of you would consider a contemporary church that plays both standard hymns and "contemporary Christian" music, is probably the most mission based church I have ever been involved with and has a pastor that is passionate about preaching what is in the Bible without getting caught up in the demoninational interpretations.