Message and Method vital tools for a Christian Leader.

Message and Method vital tools for a Christian Leader.

I have heard a lot over the last two weeks, about the downside of mega churches and the failings of seeker sensitive churches.

Over coffee, one such pastor told me recently that he didn't like the satanic way that the lights are lowered at the beginning of a service and the smoke machine and stage lighting that surround the platform. Then there is the music, it's too loud, too worldly in its delivery and the words can't be heard properly, just like in a nightclub.

The pastor opposite me stopped, to drink his coffee, after his tirade and then nearly choked on his cinnamon bun when I told him I attended a church where they lowered the lights and had a smoke machine. He spluttered, some more before growing silent, when I told him that I too would have the same problems he had if it wasn't for the following:

The church I attend is by-in- large youth orientated. The music is loud and contemporary. But the Gospel is preached, the doctrine is sound and after every message an alter call is given. This is far more than I see in some Evangelical /Pentecostal churches in Europe that are old, dying, where wacky doctrine- purporting to be main stream- is preached and no converts or alter calls have been seen for almost 20 years.

Herein lays the issue. If Christian leaders want to see growth in their churches be that small or great, then they need to learn to use the tools they have wisely and correctly.

From its earliest days the church has been made up of all sorts of people from all walks of life, but it has always been the young that have taken the churches forward. I seem to remember that when I was young, older people always complained about the music and no doubt when I am old and grey, in another 20 years, I will complain about the music being sung. But those churches that have succeeded have always adhered to the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ son of God, of him crucified and of his resurrection. This should be never compromised on, it should never be forgotten about, and it is none negotiable.

However in order for the church to succeed the wise leader has always looked to new ways and methods of presenting the Gospel and making it relevant to today's generation. In many ways, that is why in some church services they have become event orientated with stage lights, smoke machines and great contemporary music. This is the method they have chosen to use. If the church is growing people are being saved and converted to the cause of Christ, let's not complain.

Let us learn to never compromise in our message, but at the same time let us be creative in our methods by which we spread that message. At the end of the day it's not about lights or music or even smoke machines, it's about Jesus.

Food for thought maybe.