Monday, August 28, 2006

A thought to ponder....

Ok , so since there is NOT going to be a Bible study this weekend... (unless of course one of you builds up the courage to take it on!!!) We thought that we would leave you with a serious question to ponder.

What in your opinion would be the most creative, innovative and bizzare way to do church?

Now take this question seriously and reflect on these things when coming up with a concept...
1. Will the churh be affecting people around me for God's Kingdom?
2. Will the church be following biblical principles?
3. Is this just something funny that I came up with or could this seriously work in our society/community?


Don't forget to post some comments on your thoughts. Here is scripture to back up this concept. We just might end up talking about this scripture at our next bible study (depending how this post is absorbed)

Matt 9:16-17

16 "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17 Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."
NIV

4 comments:

Wa Wa Wa Wayne said...

That's a very good question that cannot be easily answered. Here's one that I already told Mel about. In Buffalo, the concept of a "Drive-In" service was introduced to boost low attendance during the summer months. People stay in their cars in the parking lot and tune in their radios to the sermon being preached by the pastor who is on a stage outside. (Kinda like a Drive in movie!!!) They honk their horns instead of shouting Amen! or Halleluia!! I think the reason this was successful is because they were outside where they could be seen by those who were just passing by which maybe sparked their interest to what was happening. I think if we could do something similar or even the exact same thing people would stop and take a second look. Maybe that church in Buffalo is onto something. I have always been interested in a Rock themed service. Imagine a stage outside on a Sunday afternoon with a band playing really loud! I think that would attract todays youth. I know that would take a lot of funds to buy the necessary equipment and build a stage. I dont know how much range the drive in radio signal has but if we advertised the station on our sign I'm sure some of the people who drove past might tune in outta curiosity. It all comes down to $$$. Maybe within the next 10 years we will be able to support such a venture. Well I've rambled on long enough eventhough I thought I wouldnt be able to think of anything to say. Look forward to hearing your opinions on this as well as your ideas.

Wa Wa Wa Wayne said...

I forgot to comment on the scripture verse. (By the way, the times that show what time we are posting these messages are from the wrong time zone. Actually posted 3 hours later, not that it really matters.) I think it has something to do with having to go through trials and hard times before we can truly understand the need for God's strength. When we are young and inexperienced(new) or have had an easy life, then there is no need to depend on God's strength. I'm having a hard time saying this. I don't know if this makes any sense. I'm reminded of the story about being refined in the fire like silver. Maybe that will clear up what I'm trying to say. Now that I'm done confusing myself, I'm outta here!
(5:49pm)hehe!!!

Anonymous said...

Wwjd? Jesus didn’t have a Main st. Mardi Gras masquerading behind him to attract people. No matter what we do to make church “eye appealing,” I think it starts in us. We have to catch fire for God and through us the truth couldn’t be anymore captivating. Jesus was just an ordinary average Joe on the outside, nobody spectacular to look at but the message He spoke makes Him statistics say: The Most Important Historical Figure. The truth is raw.
But to concur with Wayne, something most people can agree on is good music!

Anonymous said...

Hi, its brittany

In my own opinion, church is not ment to be bizzare in any way, shape or form. Church is a place of respect, where you come to learn, cherish and reflect. I understand that the Summit Park service is intended to bring in the younger believers however making that service any more innovative or "bizzare" i feel would have a negative impact. To begin, church is meant to be fun yes, but I believe that if you are having too much fun you are likely to loose focus on the most important aspect, being God. Have you ever noticed how absorbed the congregation becomes when an old song such as "The Old Rugged Cross" comes on? I feel that the traditional, slower songs have a real impact on people, we tend to focus, close our eyes and really connect with Jesus. Now, I don't mean to be a bummer for I do enjoy the Summmit Park service however I enjoy a traditional church service as well...everyones different i suppose.

thanks for your blog mel, its nice to know we can all communicate even outside of the church building.


love: brittany