The Way Worship is Experienced
In Breaking the Missional Code, Ed Stezer and David Putnam discuss the conflict between "Seeker Sensitive" and "Believer Hostile" (and vice versa). Its an interesting discussion and no doubt an issue I have personally struggled through. During that discussion, they point out 13 questions that churches wanting to break the missional code of their community are asking themselves. Here they are:
- Is the setting inviting and familiar?
- Are those attending and participating familiar with the music?
- Can those attending and participating relate to the communication style of the teacher/preacher?
- Is the Bible being taught in a way that the people can experience and grasp the message?
- Is the language used understandable and true to Biblical content?
- Is the way in which the people are invited to participate in the truth clear and engaging?
- Is the environment safe for those in process?
- Is there enough tension created to move people forward in faith?
- Does the creativity used connect to those attending and participating?
- Is Jesus clearly lifted up in the worship experience? Is worship God-centered?
- Is the Gospel clearly presented?
- Are people given a clear opportunity to respond?
- Are they invited to participate in community on a regular basis?
The questions are fairly basic. But from these questions, we can critique what kind of environment we are creating and dig deeper into our ministry strategy, creating meaningful environments for God and man to intersect. I really appreciate Stetzer’s emphasis that people are being discipled prior to conversion…some times, not converting until after they have cultivated a significant faith outlook.
With that in mind, it is ever more important to challenge, create tension/friction, and opportunities to serve for everyone-Christ follower as well as the not-yet-committed. As that journey is enoyed, we must maintain our focus that the Church does not exist for the believer. The responsibility for individuals to grow in faith does not rest in the hands of anyone but the individual. The responsibility to build up, encourage, and reach out lies in the hands of every Christ follower.
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twitter feed- pastortrav: @EdwardVegaLPC dude, thanks....just clicked over.
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Hi, sorry i’ve not been around much. I’ve been busy, no…super busy with business. I just thought I’d share my views with your postings. I believe that the church today we are missing the message. When we focus on the come as you are, you are loved and excepted by Jesus because he died on the cross. It’s great. But in truth, you confess your sins, and truly by heart mean what you say, when you ask to be forgiven. When you go back out and do the same sin again. Are you truly forgiven, once your accepted by Jesus Christ in your life. I believe emphasis should be added to the fact that you should try to change your ways to reflect upon the way the father expects you to live. Today, I went around doing my same old questions of the day. What comes to mind when when I say, Christ, Christian and Jesus Christ theme again. The words that came to mind among the general population was.
1. Jesus/Savior.
2. Christian/extremist.
3. Jesus/died for us.
4. Jesus/perfection
5. Christian/fanatic
6. Christian/terrorists
7. Jesus/holy
8. Jesus Christ/not real
9. Christian/afraid of them
10. Christian/brainwashed.
Humm….I need to pray more. The outcome/mixed feelings. People still feel that Christianity pertains to a movement, extremist, brainwashing; however, the good news is that Jesus is was reflected as the good of the people.
We are still safe for now. I do this 10 times daily. Pose this question and reflect on solely the first word that comes to thought. Hey Pastor Travis. Keep up the works of the Lord. This is Josie, Bikash’s wife. Peace out.
Comment by Josie Thapa | August 24, 2006 |