Just the other day, Nate asked me if I had seen the “Cowboy Church” just off the highway. I was not sure exactly what he was talking about; we often read the church signs posted within every mile here in the south and I had not seen one referring to cowboys. He clarified, “No, it’s The Cowboy Church, cowboys welcomed.” Mmm-Kay. I couldn’t help but recall The Cowboy Church when our local paper featured an article on Skate Church.
I must say this really raises some questions for me. Here in the south, contemporary services have been frowned upon for years by the older generations. At one time, I did not really have a problem with contemporary services. In all honesty, I enjoyed the atmosphere, especially relaxing in my favorite jeans while I listened to a speaker and had refreshments. As time has gone on, I have really noticed how many of these services have trailed away from the true purpose of “church.” The message is being lost and the focus is about drawing the world in by looking like the world. It seems a lot of Christian churches are becoming more in tune with social sciences than biblical teaching.
Let’s go back to Skate Church. I have absolutely no problem with skaters. I wish I could do it myself. But how do you build a ministry around skating? On the website, I see a pretty fair message on a daily devotional and the About Us tab makes a lot of sense. The building the kids use for skating belongs to the church and there is a pro shop inside for the skaters to get parts if needed. I am really trying to be open-minded, but I can’t help but think of Jesus in the synagogue being so angry. “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of thieves.” (Matthew 21:13) When we are in a time of fellowship with other believers that we call “church,” shouldn’t we be worshipping? Shouldn’t these young boys and girls be spending the two hours in God’s Word instead of skating for an hour and a half and having a “short message” presented? How are we teaching our young people to live godly lives and to make God part of your day all day?
I am completely for reaching out and missions, but I don’t believe Jesus changed the synagogues or His message to reach those in the world. His sheep knew then and still know His voice. I have never been to Skate Church so I can’t make a pointed judgment. I just don’t understand why we have to tell cowboys their welcome to come to church and why church has to be changed to fit your desires. Missions to me are more about going into the world to find His sheep and pull them out, not make our place of worship like the world.
In all honesty, shouldn’t we all be spending a little less time skating, (or blogging or watching TV or whatever) and a little more time in God’s Word and praying?
3 comments:
I think you're gonna get tired of hearing me say, "I agree with you, girl."
I came out of the world when I was 22, and the secular "sound" of the then modern Christian music was what caught my attention and won me to Christ eventually. But it still had to have the whole Truth spoken inside, or it would have been for nothing. It would have made no impact on my life.
"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Rom. 10:17
Nothing about ANY kind of activity there. "Cool" or not. We need to keep our eyes on the Truth alone.
Great post!
I remember a few years ago, when we lived in a large, metropolitan area in southern Cal that the large church we were attending started a skating outreach. It was on Saturday mornings and ran for about 4hrs while the devotional that was during the Saturday morning skate outreach was for about 15 minutes. There were still services on Sundays and Saturday nights and still small groups that were Bible focused throughout the week as well as other kinds of outreaches. My own younger 2 sons really enjoyed participating in this and I noticed that a lot of young, mostly males, from the neighboring area came who would not have normally walked through the doors of the church. I saw this as an introduction, let's just start to break the ground, kind of ministry. Not really aimed at deepening Christians in their faith but in reaching out; I know that my boys were able to invite friends from school who weren't yet interested in church.
I think that the local body of Christ is about many things. Certainly we should be meeting together for preaching & teaching, studying the Bible, singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. But we also need to be salt and light in the world; individually where ever we work and live, as well as in special interest ministries and events such as skating, sports, divorce recovery, etc. to reach out and build connections with people in our communities.
You know, I've been asking myself that question recently about blogging too much...and needing more time for what's REALLY important. Food for thought, for sure.
And thanks so much for finding me again! I've heard an unfollow/refollow has worked. Otherwise, an email subscription...I am following you. :)
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