Church "Transition"

[Dan the Elder]

I'd appreciate prayer for the church I've been attending for the last 25 years. Our pastor recently retired and moved away, so we need to search for a new pastor. The "administration" left behind is using the situation to not only determine who should be the new pastor, but "what should the future direction of our church be?" So, they are taking a "survey" of the membership and the community to help make those decisions. (A consensus of "itching ears"). They are very concerned about attracting young people to maintain the attendance, (and revenue). Since 2016 our services have changed from "traditional" to "contemporary" with "praise band - very casual dress - and darkened lights. Along with youtube streaming of the morning services. The survey and the obvious trend is for more change in the same direction (or whatever the majority of people say they want!) I Know we're in the "end times" and this is to be expected, but it "breaks the heart" of this old fundamentalist "fogey"! I pray for a "hell and brimstone" preacher, people to get on their knees, and salvation! When you think of it, remember me and FBCW in prayer. Thanks, God Bless, Dan

 

[ItIsFinished!]

Absolutely will be in prayer over this situation brother.

 

[lismore]

Hello Dan, Good to meet you!

To a small extent there may be some changes to the format even in a good church. For example a good few years back in our church the old style hymn books were no longer used, song lyrics were displayed on the screen. The worship is a blend of old hymns and some modern songs. There was a livestream on you tube during covid lockdown for those who could not get out and now for frail/disabled members who can no longer attend physically.

But I think you're right to be wary if changes to the format are also running in tandem with changes to content. If the truth is being watered down, if the bible and the gospel are being replaced. All the music being 'contemporary' and the lights being dimmed do certainly raise red flags. Also polling the congregation, you could get most anything coming back. God Bless

 

[athenasius]

Oh Dan, I just saw this pop up and came on to say yes I'm praying with you and the rest of us here, but also how my heart goes out to you and the other faithful Christians. It truly is one of the more heartbreaking symptoms of the end of the church age and Laodicea rising. Nothing I can say other than Maranatha, may the Lord return soon!

 

[Everlasting Life]

 

[daygo]

I'd appreciate prayer for the church I've been attending for the last 25 years. Our pastor recently retired and moved away, so we need to search for a new pastor. The "administration" left behind is using the situation to not only determine who should be the new pastor, but "what should the future direction of our church be?" So, they are taking a "survey" of the membership and the community to help make those decisions. (A consensus of "itching ears"). They are very concerned about attracting young people to maintain the attendance, (and revenue). Since 2016 our services have changed from "traditional" to "contemporary" with "praise band - very casual dress - and darkened lights. Along with youtube streaming of the morning services. The survey and the obvious trend is for more change in the same direction (or whatever the majority of people say they want!) I Know we're in the "end times" and this is to be expected, but it "breaks the heart" of this old fundamentalist "fogey"! I pray for a "hell and brimstone" preacher, people to get on their knees, and salvation! When you think of it, remember me and FBCW in prayer. Thanks, God Bless, Dan

Thoughts are with you, my old church the pastor left and later the church split now its awful, at the time I thought our church had immense potential as big as the Pacific ocean that was in 1990 now there's less than 30 that go, it just beggars belief to me, miss it so much.

 

[penbrat]

It's hard because our current church has changed over the years to kind of what you described (contemporary music, streaming, lights and flash during the music, etc). However, we have stayed there because the pastor is amazing and his messages are always based on the Word (same with the associate pastor when he preaches). I think a lot of churches are now geared towards younger people and younger families, which can be all well and good but you can't leave the older folks in the dust. It's a balancing act for sure.

 

[ItIsFinished!]

It's hard because our current church has changed over the years to kind of what you described (contemporary music, streaming, lights and flash during the music, etc). However, we have stayed there because the pastor is amazing and his messages are always based on the Word (same with the associate pastor when he preaches). I think a lot of churches are now geared towards younger people and younger families, which can be all well and good but you can't leave the older folks in the dust. It's a balancing act for sure.

Amen!
... can't leave the older folks in the dust...

 

[lismore]

Amen!
... can't leave the older folks in the dust...

Yes. I think a healthy church needs people of all ages and different backgrounds working together as a family. God Bless

 

[Belle of Grace]

Amen!
... can't leave the older folks in the dust...

Sometimes pastors forget which demographic are the largest contributors. It's not the younger generation who's going to pay off the mortgage on the building. However, it's important for the younger people to be there in attendance to hear the gospel message and to be discipled properly before they get very far in life. But, the Word of God is what draws people, including the young. We don't need to throw a lot of money around on colored lighting and other attractive decor to bring people of all ages in. The apostle Paul would not have considered such a thing.

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]