Comments on www.MitchellSkelton.com: Seek the Old Paths (Honoring God while Remaining C...

Good thoughts, Matt! You should have just sent th...

2009-11-20T21:47:16.505-06:00

Good thoughts, Matt! You should have just sent that to me and let me post it as a guest article! :-)

Culture change within the church is a daunting iss...

2009-11-20T11:06:09.129-06:00

Culture change within the church is a daunting issue to deal with. I believe it comes with every new generation and has been going on since the very beginning of the church itself. Wikipedia states that there are over 38,000 reported Christian denominations in the world...and in my opinion, it's largely because of this very issue. We'd probably laugh at the thought these days, but imagine the first church to have electricity installed in their facilities, or the first to use a PA system and microphones, or the first to have an in-door baptistery. These all go unquestioned today, but at one point in time they roused serious complaints and concerns, even splitting some churches.

The bottom line to me is that as Christians we represent Christ. Christ lived differently for sure! And we should strive to show the world that the lifestyle we live truly speaks and represents the truths that Christ taught. Take for instance financial debt. As believers, we are taught of the burdens and strife that debt will bring into our life. We also teach that as we give unto God we shall also receive His blessings in return. But how many of us could use our current financial status as an example of these truths? And if we're not able to do that, are we examining our lives and trying to find out the changes that we need to make? To me, these are the ways we should stand out from the world's culture, by truly showing the radical transition that Christ made in our life.

On the flip side of that, how do we remain culturally relevant enough to reach the world of today. Again, I look to Jesus. In terms of cultural relevance, Jesus was "ahead of the times" in regards to his style. The writers of the Gospels made it very clear that Jesus amazed and stunned those who heard him with not just his message, but with his METHODS. There was numerous mention of those who commented on how Jesus "taught in a way we've never seen before". So what can we take from this? To me it's clear that when it comes to our cultural impact, that we must hold strongly to two principles. First, we must model the differences that are brought about through salvation and sanctification. With this, virtues such as forgiveness, relationships, compassion, and so forth will be made a priority in our life. And our core standards as Christians should never be compromised. Second, we must show that as representatives of Christ's message and example that we are bold and radical enough to share His message in a way that will get the world's attention. Within the church, we must put our faith, support, and prayer behind the pastor's and leaders that God has commissioned to help guide us in the right direction. So the next time some "strange" new ministry gets started, or you see your church pumping a bunch of funds into some "crazy" looking youth center...try to remember that there's plan in place, and change is not always a bad thing.

That's my two cents...
Matt

In all reality I think that change has to happen b...

2009-11-20T01:48:32.327-06:00

In all reality I think that change has to happen because times have changed and people get older just like music,clothes cars, technology etc. I believe if the churches want to grow they have to keep a open mind and stay with time as it changes.I hear more and more talk about God than I ever have in my whole life.People are getting scared because of all the natural disasters,war,drugs and sicknesses happening in the world today.More and more questions are being asked about Gods word. I know their is a heaven and there is a better place prepared for me but the unknown is still scary and for people that are not sure, it is really scary.It is a shame that the world has come to alcholism,drugs,crime,war,homeless,and finance problems but I believe Everyone needs to know how to face these problems head on and the only way to do this is through God and God uses people.If you have ever had a alcohol problem maybe you are the person to talk to that person with that problem or maybe you have had a drug problem try to help lead that drug addict into the right direction.If someone is sick give them a visit and bring them some soup!We all have a testimony to help someone. It is important to keep the youths attention in church and keep them motivated and entertained so they stay in church and stay curious to learn about God.This is why it is important to keep up with the times for them.They are the future,they will be the ones who will continue to pass the word on when we are in heaven. Change is scary.The comfort zone always feels safer but sometimes you have to leave that comfort zone to move on to bigger better things.God has big plans for all of us but we will never know what they are if we don't move forward!

Thanks for all the great comments! Tim, I agree 1...

2009-11-19T23:10:40.641-06:00

Thanks for all the great comments!

Tim, I agree 100%. The answer to being relevant is not found in forming a new committee, it is found in forming relationships.

Al, you said it, "responsible change." That's the key. The reality that many don't realize is that the church will change because people change. If we fail to acknowledge this and manage the change then we will fade into irrelevancy.

"The church should be at the forefront of inn...

2009-11-19T19:41:53.455-06:00

"The church should be at the forefront of innovation when it comes to ways of connecting people with Christ."

Amen!

Another great post, Mitchell.

2009-11-19T15:29:12.355-06:00

Another great post, Mitchell.

Well said. Alan Bell

2009-11-19T11:46:32.742-06:00

Well said.
Alan Bell

Great stuff and insight.

2009-11-19T11:10:15.033-06:00

Great stuff and insight.

Excellent analysis of a common and troubling minds...

2009-11-19T10:36:02.290-06:00

Excellent analysis of a common and troubling mindset among far too many of us. I appreciate your insight and your willingness to stand boldly for responsible change. Interestingly, my sermon for this coming Sunday morning (which will appear later that day on our church web site) is "The Reality of Change." I will be addressing some of the same concerns.

May God bless you and your work, brother.
Al Maxey

Part of the problem, I think, is that we want to d...

2009-11-19T08:55:59.859-06:00

Part of the problem, I think, is that we want to deal with everything at an institutional level, instead of thinking in terms of people. John Alan Turner just posted about people looking for a "magic silver bullet," that special evangelistic trick that will make their church grow.

It's about growing relationships with people and helping them come into a relationship with God. We've got to bring it back to a personal level.

Grace and peace,
Tim Archer