"Seeker Sensitive"

[AdamTimothy]

Is is right for the main goal of "outreach" to be the gathering of more people in the church? I believe that in this day and age we have gotten more and more focused on changing traditional views and concepts and instead we've become seeker sensitive and changed the way we do things in the church to reflect a more appealing and modern way of doing things.
What do you think?
_AC

 

[theseed]

Well are they cultural changes or biblical changes? You realize that thier are variety of ways that services are conducted around the world?

 

[eldermike]

Sanctuary or Temple? This is an important issue to settle.
Seeker - Here is another word that needs a definition.

To me, the NT temple is me and you, we should build sanctuaries, not temples. It really matters how you see this.
To me, a seeker has a regenerated heart and has yet to hear or respond to the truth.

Mike

 

[Andyman_1970]

Let me start that I am not against traditional church services. God had created us all different with different likes and dislikes, some like traditional some like not-so traditional.

Our best "model" for how to do things is Jesus. He didn't wear the 3-piece suit (nothing wrong with that), of the time. He brought His message to the poor, marginalized, sick, and unclean of the day, not just the "churchy" people. He had "services" in both a synagoge (which could be equated to our traditional services) and services on a hill, and in a boat among other places.

Jesus adapted his message to address different audiences while, the timeless truths remained the same. But Jesus was always creative in his presentation … he drew in the sand, used fish to illustrate key message points, and spoke in the lingo of the day.

As long as the Biblical truths remain the same (which I believe is the most important), Biblically what is wrong with presenting the message/service in a way that is less "churchy"?

When Paul spoke in Athens he didn't quote Scripture, he quoted the pagan poets, but used what they wrote to make a case for the existence of the one true God (Acts 17 I think, let me check). While in Ephesus, he never "bashed" the god Artemus while he was there, even though that was the main god people in Ephesus worshipped. He tailored the message for the audience.

The whole attitude that I have heard preached of "it's old time Bible preaching and if people don't like it, then they need to either get right with God or get saved..............", I would argue is not a Biblical attitude. For some people that message speaks to them, that's great, but to be absolute and say this is the ONLY way to present the message, is not how my Messiah did things.

 

[kayanne]

I have mixed feelings on the seeker-friendly services. On the one hand, I do believe that worship services are for the body of Christ to exalt our great God and learn more about Him. If those in the body are fulfilling the great commission and spreading the gospel, then church pastors can focus on edifying and equipping. But, OTOH, if a church has opportunities to serve many unsaved visitors, a less traditional approach may work.

It can go too far though. A while back we got a postcard in the mail, adveritising a new church in the area (that was obviously trying to be very palatable to unchurched people.) The post card said:
Other churches: hard pews
Our church: comfy chairs, or sit on the floor
Other churches: old stuffy hymns
Our church: exciting contemporary praise songs
Other churches: boring sermons
Our church: inspiring dramas, videos, and other multi-media
Other churches: suits, ties, other uncomfortable dress
Our church: shorts, sandals, jeans, whatever!

So far, not too bad. But here is the kicker:
Other churches: serve communion
Our church: serves snacks and pop

 

[Bro. Gabriel]

What's a seeker? lol

 

[eldermike]

What's a seeker? lol

Great question, I said in post 2 that it has to be defined. I define it as one that has been regenerated but has not yet responded.

 

[theseed]

It could also be somebody who is curious, like Pliable was in The Pilgrim's Progess, but he did not remain because he went he travelled for selfish reasons. He always took the path of least resistance.

AdamTimothy,
There are many people in our churches who have been there before the changes were made, who do not know Christ. So, it would be unfair to say that "seeker sensentive"

 

[the Colonel]

When a church preaches other than what the Bible says and/or waters down the message so it is only "God is love" and other such feel-good stuff and none of the "God is justice" and the consequences of sin, then it is merely a "make me feel good for going to church" type place. People can go there and feel like Christians when they may or may not be and no one is going to say different.

Just my two cents.

--CK

 

[TwinCrier]

Some worship services are more geared towards providing entertainment to those warming the pews then to giving glory to God. Few people want to be convicted of their sin. Worse of all, 'fire and brimstone' or 'turn or burn' preaching gets mocked and identifying sin is viewed ans passing judgement. Yes, I think the gospel message has suffered for the sake of modernism.

 

[Frankie]

Some worship services are more geared towards providing entertainment to those warming the pews then to giving glory to God. Few people want to be convicted of their sin. Worse of all, 'fire and brimstone' or 'turn or burn' preaching gets mocked and identifying sin is viewed ans passing judgement. Yes, I think the gospel message has suffered for the sake of modernism.

We do have a modern worship service but our pastor also gives a powerful sermon and while he does preach a great deal on God's love,, he also throws in the "fire and brimstone" thing too. He also gives very long sermons. I am sure there are people who don't like the long sermons but I really do like them because they are well rounded and very informative. I really enjoy a powerful and convicting sermon!

Frankie

 

[Bro. Gabriel]

Most Baptists probably don't realize that their views and what is taught in their churches is mostly Liberal Theology and Modernity trickling now into Post-Modernity, Theologically. Some of it is even Roman Catholic in origin!

We need to make sure we don't lose our first love! Preach the Gospel as it is, harshness and kindness, for the Glory of God. We need to stop trying to draw people in and start focusing on Magnifying our King and witnessing to people as we go, through our daily lives and day-to-day conversations with strangers.

The Church is for Magnifying Christ and His Lordship, Worshipping God, and building-up the saints Spiritually through discipleship, deep study and prayer, and discipline.. otherwise, you end up with watered-down churches theologically that neglect the Believers and members of the church, leaving them to wither away and be without their bread!!! We are losing the focus of the reason and mission of the Church, sadly.

 

[Andyman_1970]

How did Jesus teach those who genuinly desired to know "what the deal was"?

How did Jesus teach those in the religious and "holier than thou" club?