“Until the church quits trying to bring a 1st century context into a 21st century culture, no method will work.”
Today I was reading on Twitter and the quote above came across from Tony Morgan. I’m involved in a Coaching Network with Tony, and he is a great thinker. Give me some feedback on this! The thoughts around it are blowing my mind!
Looking at the word “context” I would have to agree with this statement. The differences in the cultures are dramatic, but one variable remains the same, the need for Christ in our lives. Things of the 1st century (people, places, situations)that were used to create meaning and understanding are not as effective today, mostly because in their natural state they do not exist, or are not recognized and therefore not considered important.
My friend Jason went to a church his girlfriend attends a couple of weeks ago. He was bored out of his mind because the pastor was getting into all kinds of theology and said he was totally confused.
In depth study is something that you have to be interacting and actively participating in alone or with a small group of peers. Sitting there being told in depth theology without being able to interact is totally boring and if you get confused there is no way to stop and clarify a point.
Jesus taught using illustrations that people could easily relate to and understand. It is safe to say that He knew what he was doing and the best way to teach people.
I believe the enemy can successfully use this stubborness and unwillingness to change to his advantage. What better way to wipe out a generation of Christians than to start at a young age and have the kids bored out of thier mind at church singing Just as I am over and over and over again.
When I was a child, I always dreaded Sunday. The whole day was blown because you had church at 11:00 that go over at 1:30 and then you had to be back that night at 6:00pm! To make matters worse, you sat there listing to the pastor deliver a message indended for adults that was like a foreign language. To make matters even worse, we sang Just as I am and other century old songs over and over again. It was always a blessing to get to skip the third verse. woo hoo!
That is why when I got into college, I stopped going to church. Why would I voluntarily subject myself to intense bordum and songs that had more of a sleep affect than after Thanksgiving dinner?
Francois Voltaire said it best, “Common sense is not so common.” It is common sense that we should not still be strictly playing hymns that are over 100 years old and delivering a sermon intended for adults to elementary school kids.
I am so thankful that my kids have not had to endure the agony I had do deal with as a child! They love going to church, and only once in a blue moon say they don’t want to go.
I think you guys have it right. It’s a challenge to try and decide what “things” are somewhat timeless, apart from Scripture. Good words.