Traditional vs Progressive

What a battle we have on our hands these days - to stay 'traditional' or go 'progressive' or 'contemporary'.  Those who are of the older generation say the words with scorn:  "That contemporary church across the street..."  Those from the younger generation say the words with scorn:  "That traditional church across the street..."  It's like the total reversal from 'the grass is always greener on the other side'! 

So what are we disagreeing about?

Usually we are disagreeing about music.  Do we use the hymnals or a projector and screen?  Do we have a piano and organist or a band?  Do we turn the lights off above the congregation or leave them on?  Do we have all the music in one fell swoop or do we break the music between the prayers, offering, and sermon?

Where is Jesus in these decisions?  What does God have to say about it in His word?  Not much.  I'm sure if we searched long enough we could find some obscure reference to support either side of the issue, but as for the main ideas of Jesus's preaching I would say that in reality - He probably wouldn't really care.

But let's look at another issue that these two camps debate:  culturally current. 

The traditionalists would tell you that there is too much doctrine being taught in the hymns to quit singing them.  Some would go as far as to argue that they are sacred.  I have even heard someone say that when someone reached a high enough spiritual level they would understand how important the hymns are - (I think that had a barb aimed at me in that comment!)  The most prominent argument I hear now is about how susceptible we would be to losing our ROOTS!  If we were to be any more culturally current we would lose the true meaning of the gospel.

Hmmm.  That, I believe, goes against what Jesus taught.  Jesus wanted us in the world.  He wanted us immersed in it - living among the people - being at a point as to be accepted by the world so that we can reach those who are lost.  Now, that doesn't mean that we go into the homeless community and become homeless (although we might for a time) - but I do think it means going into that community dressed in such a way that we might be accepted:  not in a suit and tie...not in a fancy Easter dress and hat.  I believe that means dressing in the skater style and hanging with other skaters if you like to skateboard and working with those you interact with.  I believe it means knowing the lingo - experiencing the same lives without partaking in the sins.

That's it - experiencing the same lives without partaking in the sins.

One more time:  Experiencing the same lives without partaking in the sins.

If we don't experience the sames lives as the community around us, we cannot reach them.  If we chose to remain 'traditional' in our approaches, the current time period for 'traditional' is 1950's style.  That means that in about 50-100 years you might as well call us Amish because we will be just that effective at reaching those around us.

We have to change with the culture.  We have to be in it just enough to be able to communicate and empathize with those around us - we just have to stay away from the sin.

That's where the Sunday worship comes in.  We gather together to build each other up and keep each  other on track.  And if we are in the culture, we will want the current music and styles.

So, in my opinion, that means that a church that is going to effectively reach the 'unchurched' and 'dechurched' is going to have to stay current in the culture around them.  They need to have seen a couple episodes of the new comedies and TV dramas.  They need to know the top 10 songs on the current charts.  They need to see some of the movies (but not all, of course).   We need these things to be able to find common ground with those we are commanded to reach.  Without common ground, there  is no connection.  Without a connection to the people around us, what is the point?  The gospel is only good if the person hearing it has trust in you - from a connection you have made.  So...

Connection is the key - culture is the tool - the gospel is the goal.

With that in mind, ask God today how He wants you to proceed from here:  are you enough in the culture to reach those around you?  How does He want you to do that?  Is there some area that you could learn more about so that you can better connect?  Remember - no connection, so salvation.  We have to connect with them to do our part to save them.

I hope you enjoyed my thoughts today - please share yours.  And find your own time above the canopy soon!