There were 2 key developments in Rick Warren's churches that resulted in the spiritual degeneration we see today. The first was the introduction of pseudo-biblical teachings which had Business Administrative principles as its foundation. This juxtaposition of ''bibles'' spawned Prosperity Gospels and the Purpose-Driven Churches which saw Rick Warren's study guides replace the Bible-based workbooks of the past.
Likewise, sermons were also based on Business Administrative principles such as planning, leadership, organization and control. Single passages of Scripture became instruments for pastor-managers to mobilize their corporate doctrines into action.
The other key development which completed the degeneration was the introduction of “Vineyard” types of ''Praise and Worship.'' Gone were the Biblically-based hymnals and in came the teleprompters with simple, child-like mantras that were clapped and sung to with a loud, pulsating band and a ''Worship Leader'' pumping up the crowd with praises to Jesus and impromptu sermonettes. Whereas the singing portion of the service took at most 20 minutes in the regular Evangelical services, these “concerts” could last up to an hour or more.
It is in this musically-charged atmosphere where the emotional ecstasy of the crowd beckons newcomers to ''get dunked'' and join the church corporation. The gentle call of the Holy Spirit is drowned out by an emotional plea to make that “personal decision for Christ.”
The altar call of earlier years became a recruiting tool for inviting converts to participate in various outreach activities that would attract more potential members to the church. Growth and expansion of the church replaced the spiritual growth and character building of the earlier Evangelical Churches.
When the emotional buzz of “Praise and Worship” wears off, burnt-out and broke converts move on to other churches, prompting the pastors and other staff members to re-mobilize their congregation to usher in more potential members to feed their stadium-sized monstrosity.
In summary, Biblical teachings and the imperative of spiritual rebirth which once characterized the Evangelical movement were supplanted by Business Administration principles and “Emo” Praise and Worship, creating the Biblically and spiritually malnourished congregations we see today.
yahoo.com/church-pastor-rick-warrens-son-commits-suicide-211206608.html
Likewise, sermons were also based on Business Administrative principles such as planning, leadership, organization and control. Single passages of Scripture became instruments for pastor-managers to mobilize their corporate doctrines into action.
The other key development which completed the degeneration was the introduction of “Vineyard” types of ''Praise and Worship.'' Gone were the Biblically-based hymnals and in came the teleprompters with simple, child-like mantras that were clapped and sung to with a loud, pulsating band and a ''Worship Leader'' pumping up the crowd with praises to Jesus and impromptu sermonettes. Whereas the singing portion of the service took at most 20 minutes in the regular Evangelical services, these “concerts” could last up to an hour or more.
It is in this musically-charged atmosphere where the emotional ecstasy of the crowd beckons newcomers to ''get dunked'' and join the church corporation. The gentle call of the Holy Spirit is drowned out by an emotional plea to make that “personal decision for Christ.”
The altar call of earlier years became a recruiting tool for inviting converts to participate in various outreach activities that would attract more potential members to the church. Growth and expansion of the church replaced the spiritual growth and character building of the earlier Evangelical Churches.
When the emotional buzz of “Praise and Worship” wears off, burnt-out and broke converts move on to other churches, prompting the pastors and other staff members to re-mobilize their congregation to usher in more potential members to feed their stadium-sized monstrosity.
In summary, Biblical teachings and the imperative of spiritual rebirth which once characterized the Evangelical movement were supplanted by Business Administration principles and “Emo” Praise and Worship, creating the Biblically and spiritually malnourished congregations we see today.
yahoo.com/church-pastor-rick-warrens-son-commits-suicide-211206608.html
