Element Church Insider

“I’ve heard this preached fifty different ways, but it’s always powerful to ponder: The message is sacred, but the methods are not.

Too often, we forget this, and we end up with sacred cows that are giving grazing rights in the church. Contemporary churches like ours often come under scrutiny or attack, usually because of our methods. Those wielding words of disdain should be quick to consider the fact that the methods they employ were also once questioned.

Organs led to Pianos which led to orchestras which led to praise bands which led to modern rock bands.  And with each passing of the torch, criticism against the new model rose to the surface. Churches with steeples criticize churches with green rooms, forgetting that there were no steeples in Jesus’ day. Those wearing suits criticize those wearing jeans, forgetting that Jesus never owned a three piece suit.  Those holding onto one set of methods criticize those who have adopted new methods.

We’re quick to question people’s methods, and when we do, it’s rarely based on Biblical conviction but instead, personal preference. We don’t see it that way, of course, we read our personal preference back into Scriptures. This is how we end up teaching that tattoos are sinful (though we fail to teach that wearing polyester is a sin based on the same chapter in Leviticus). This is how we end up criticizing the new generation, forgetting that the traditions that we hold so dear were once just as new.

Sunday School, VBS, stained glass, Fall Festivals, pulpits, pews, suits and hymnals.  What do those things have in common?  None of them are Biblical.  They are all tools, created or used by people to spread the Gospel.  The same could be said of small groups, church online, sending out postcards, dressing down and giving away coffee.  None are sacred; all are methods.

Personally, I’m glad that new methods have come to the forefront.  Because it means that more people will have the opportunity to hear the Gospel.  It means that the Word of God will spread, and people will meet Jesus.  That’s why I’m in favor of all churches doing whatever it takes to share their faith, spread the Gospel, and invite people to church.  I want to pastor a church that will do anything short of sin (and sin as it’s defined in the Bible, not simply something that I don’t like) to reach people for Christ.  I want to keep growing and learning, and using whatever new methods are at my disposal.  The Gospel is too important to sit on the sideline.

The modern church, with all her lights and worship bands cannot forget this lesson either. If we’re not careful, we’ll hold worship bands and small groups and dressing casually as sacred and then question whatever comes next. And trust me…something is coming next.  It must.  Because our methods must change with culture. It’s our message and our mission that must remain constant. That’s the only sacred. Turn the rest of the sacred cows into hamburger.”