I was reading some Politically Incorrect Thoughts about the church this week and thought I'd share a few of them:
- Once a church gets beyond a few hundred people, it becomes dysfunctional and shallow.
- Churches don't effectively engage women in leadership roles.
- Every church should be planning to either add a campus, add a service or plant a church.
- Worship music is too repetitive.
- Shared leadership doesn't work.
- You can't rally people around a vision that isn't specific and measurable.
Notice it said these were politically incorrect thoughts about the church.
Do you agree with any of them?
And be blessed.
- Once a church gets beyond a few hundred people, it becomes dysfunctional and shallow.
- Churches don't effectively engage women in leadership roles.
- Every church should be planning to either add a campus, add a service or plant a church.
- Worship music is too repetitive.
- Shared leadership doesn't work.
- You can't rally people around a vision that isn't specific and measurable.
Notice it said these were politically incorrect thoughts about the church.
Do you agree with any of them?
And be blessed.
11 comments:
I've been in some very small churches which were dysfunctional as well as some larger ones...
Some music is too repetitive but then again some things are worth repeating...
SMART goals are contrary to the foolishness Paul speaks about...
Hmmm...I don't think these statements are politically incorrect so much as a difference in opinion with others. I would hope that there is room for that in a church, as well as in general. I suppose I sometimes say things that may be interpreted as politically incorrect. At times on your blog. I think that as long as one isn't being racist or bigoted then there is nothing wrong with talking about the 'elephant in the room.' Sometimes, it ends up clearing the air between people.
One thing I would like to add, is as far as the size of the church, aren't we all somewhat dysfunctional in some ways? We are all flawed in our own ways and have our own sins. Besides, who decides what is dysfunctional and what is simply being human?
And I really don't think a larger church is more shallow. I just think that there is a possibility that it is harder to reach people and establish an intimacy between parishioners. I see that differently from shallowness.
Yes, I agree. I think the term politically correct these days is used more broadly, not just politically it specifically but referring to whatever institution your part of. That's my take on it at least. I agree that we are all flawed and as to who's to say what flawed is exactly, you know my answer to that. It wouldn't be you. It wouldn't be me. It would be the Bible.
I think that even if you are part of the institution that you should be able to have a point of view on matters. The only exception, to me, is if someone is constantly critical. It seems that people like that are like that most all the time. It must be pretty miserable to live life that way.
No, I didn't mean that being politically correct was only involving politics. Still and all, I like talking things thru. Just not in a mean-spirited way. Politically incorrect is thrown around in far too many cases. Sometimes you can't say anything without offending someone.
Of course you can have opinions. I have opinions as well. The problem with opinions, at least as it regards God, religion and the church is when we elevate our opinions to the level of Gods opinions. Unfortunately, that happens a lot.
That reminds me of an article I read some time ago. It was speaking of 'church-hoppers.' People that tend to go from church to church, unhappy with this, that or the other thing. It spoke of how you should pray about it and follow God's lead. That maybe He intends for you to be there for a season or more. I imagine that is an example of following God's opinion over your own.
I can't help but wonder how you see it. If a parishioner has differences in the direction of the church, should they seek another church...as long as they are still on the path to Jesus? And how do you ever really know what God is saying? Even when I was very involved in the church, I often wondered what was my own mind I followed or Gods. Where did these ideas and thoughts come from?
I would think that if someone is very critical of the church that, being human, you might just be glad to see them go...just for the peace.
It depends on what the differences are, doesn't it? You will always find differences. I think we all understand that. Some of those differences will even be irreconcilable. It doesn't mean that we should divide over even irreconcilable differences. Every marriage is going to have differences that are irreconcilable, frankly. It's strongly depends on what the differences are about. Much of the time I believe people leave churches for somewhere else based on preferences, even small ones. That does not seem to me to be glorifying to God in the kingdom but I would reserve making a judgment on anyone for it.
Very, very good point. Yes, each unique individual sees the world thru their own lens. It truly is a shame that some people leave for another church based on small things.
To be quite honest, when I first became saved, I was watching Joel Osteen and I was driven to discover what he had. But I do see him as a 'milk' pastor...not a 'meat' pastor. BTW, I do think you give us the meat in the Bible. But, I know there are some Christians that like his way of preaching, because maybe it is less rigorous. Truthfully, as much as like him as an individual, he is a bit of a motivational speaker. Personally, I would choose a church that challenges me to be better over one that just makes me feel good. Even though I mess up often, I completely respect your words to get right with God. You don't coddle me. I know I can trust you to be true to the Word...and to your word.
Obviously this stream of conversation is very interesting to me. I have fairly low tolerance for the characterizations of milk and meat when it comes to Christian speaking. Frankly, I think there's plenty of meat in with posting preaches. It's more his style that people object to if they were honest. I'm not saying there arent some theological differences - there are - but there are many mature believers who've become Mature by sitting under his ministry. My hackles raise just a bit when people start talking milk and meat, insisting they want deeper things or harder things or things they've never heard before but they haven't mastered the very simplest parts of the Gospel in their own lives yet. Don't ask for meat when you haven't successfully digested the milk yet. Soapbox.
Lol..point taken. See, I told you that you don't coddle me. :) I feel chastised. I STILL think he is just as much a motivational speaker as anything. But, yes, I do like his joy and optimism...that is what drew me in to him. I certainly wasn't going around watching sermons on tv. It was just a matter of channel-surfing.
Anyway, I really don't hear you preaching about how God wants to prosper us. I know that isn't the only thing he speaks of, but it is definitely a portion of it. I wouldn't believe it anyway. God is just as likely to drive us to our knees to come to Him. I have to admit, I feel fortunate that it has not happened to me...yet. I've heard you say before that God is not a 'genie in a bottle.'
Anyway, if I really needed a boost and I was so inclined, I would watch him. Somehow I always feel better, but I still think his sermons are light. Just my thoughts...
I was thinking today about 'why' I prefer other sermons and I came up with an analogy.
If I had the choice between watching a romantic comedy or a drama, the drama is going to win every single time.
If I am going to read, I will choose the most interesting articles on world affairs over a more light-hearted book.
If I have a conversation, I hate small talk. It bores me. Give me a deep conversation with one person. It's just the way I am made up.
Ok, now you can 'yell' at me for comparing a sermon to other types of entertainment. I'm really not trying to make the Word of God into something it's not, but I lean towards being more serious. Hopefully, that makes sense.
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