Churches go less formal to make people comfortable

Comfortable is a theme that's becoming common among churches taking advantage of new, non-traditional spaces. Across the country, churches are springing up in unexpected locations — movie theaters, skating rinks, strip malls and old warehouses, among others — in an effort to welcome people who may not feel comfortable in more traditional settings.

Aaron Coe, vice president for mobilization for the North America Missions Board, said there are several factors contributing to these new churches, including a move away from traditionalism and the economic advantages of leasing space instead of building a church.

"We've seen everything from art galleries to schools," he said. "Schools and movie theaters are probably the most common. There is definitely a trend, and I think it's one that's here to stay." ...

read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2012-02-08/informal-churches/53002212/1

It's called "USER FRIENDLY", and basically it's all about increasing numbers, with the idea that numbers mean success...and in a way, they do...if you can get them to tithe, support the Priest-Class, and the agenda. Consider Joel Olsteen, Mark Driscoll, the Saddle-Back of Rick Warren or any Mega-Church for that matter.

Some have went so far as to add ashtrays in the "sanctuary",, many have a Starbucks type Kiosk right outside the foyeigh, that you can take your java inside as you lounge listening to the sermon. I have seen the circus brought in on Sunday mornings with real high-slide acts with skateboarders, and gorgeous Nubian ladies in tights dancing , Greek style to Gospel tunes.

There are those who encourage the bare-feet, the grunged out, the punked out [ Driscoll ]and the rocked out, as a means to "reach" youth....on "their level. This is all about non-offense, but alas, nothing about the gospel, and the power to save...and the holy conviction that causes a man or a woman to REPENT.

Jesus made a lot of people very uncomfortable, and this is what he said about those, like Him, who did also.

"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

[ Because they made people uncomfortable by the Holy spirit that possessed them...]

"Rejoice!" and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."

Holiness and Salt go together, and truth be told, the world hates holiness , and those who carry it.

If the focus of the gospel message becomes the enhancement of the Bride, rather than Worship of the Groom, then everything focuses upon her, and she becomes narcissistic. Then, her success must stand on worldly standards...which really mean nothing in the eyes of God, but grief.

"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. "

"So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."

"Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:"

"I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see."

"REPENT FROM YOUR SINFULL SELFISH LIVES, DENY YOURSELF, AND FOLLOW ME! .....REPENT!"

THIS CAN MAKE SOME VERY INCOMFORTABLE.

Don't forget the PowerPoint. Must always have poerpoint if ya gonna be hip.

Two sides of error - the traditional protestant service and the megatainment style service. Some peoples idea of good old time religion only dates back to the reformation. We need to go another 1500 years back to the New Testament instead!

In Christ -Jim

"I have no issue with that. We only need a place to meet. I can do without a pulpit. No need to dress up (or down). Just men and women given to prayer, full of the Word and Spirit and godly elders to watch over the flock. Have a love meal together. Keep church simple, life is complicated enough."

God bless you narrowpath! Amen. I would only add that the pulpit can become a dangerous enabler of the roman catholic clergy/laity system. Of course there are some men of God that this is not a snare to.

In Christ -Jim

"I know of an IFbaptist church who says a person should never come to churches and not be dressed up. Although the thought is nice where does the reasoning come in? I usually think of the pharisee and the poor man in the back."......Deadn

That's exactly right, DEADn. I always try to make it a point to DRESS DOWN for church, so that the poor feel better, and not embarrassed or Ostracized. Poor sisters especially feel inferior when in rags, compared to some of the well heeled stylists in today's Churches.

Then we come to the Priest-Class/Ministry class suit and tie. You can always tell who the Preacher is, Eh? By the uniform...It sets him apart...and then it is often followed by the wanna-be ministry class, who dress likewise.

There is so much Pride in it, and it is so far away from promoting true Christian Body life. Imagine yourself as a homeless married couple, down on your fortune...and dirt poor. Your walking with God, and enter a building where Christian Worship is going on, and everyone is dressed in finery: Dresses, suits and ties; squeaky-clean and rich.

You stick out like a sore thumb, and you are treated that way. Jesus commanded us to go to the hedges, and highways, and COMPEL them....WHO_SO_EVER!! let him come, and drink of the waters. Any deviation of rejecting the desperate poor, because of their poverty, is the same as rejecting Jesus Himself. It is these that ought to made to feel comfortable, and equally loved as my children.

It is these that we ought to go out of our way to honor, with all of our heart, if they belong to Jesus...and if they do, they belong to me; they are mine. How would you like your travelling, poor daughter to be received, and honored, when you are dead and gone. If we refuse...and keep our lives....well..

You then have become a respecter of persons, and an enemy of God....And it is very important to receive these, lepers that they may be, as Jesus did, and does. He rejoices in restoration and the healing of the soul, and this is the nature and the true call of the New Testament Church.

James 2
"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

But ye have despised the poor!".............

In Gospel missions to India, I love to go to the slums and streets, and preach there, and to the poorest church families I can find. It is such a joy, and they are so tenderly meek...and grateful that you love them, and they are often ripe for Salvation.

I have been with Evangelists who loved to display their prosperity; gold watches, and white silk suits, etc. To me, it was profane. I choose Khakis, and simple native wear...not to embarrass them...as one of them..even their brother...which I am.

I want to be on their level in every way, and even descend under them, to the lowest seat, where I may minister to them; wash their feet. I want to live with them, if possible. This opens more doors, than I can imagine.

Jesus never once refused anyone because of their social status; the Gadarene Devil possessed Maniac, to the Prostitute, to the leper.

I have fellow-shipped the leper...by grace. Thus was I. We must treat others, as Jesus treated us...all the way. Grace and mercy...