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When following the research as close as I do, it becomes more clear where there are major issues of apostasy and outright unbiblical teaching are creeping into modern church. So personally, I have chosen to err on the side of caution. This cautious approach has led me to form opinions and biases about church trends, aesthetics, and procedures. I'm not saying they are right or wrong-- they are just my cautious observations and opinions that I have used as my preferences when seeking a church that will be a good fit for our family.
In recent years, with the emergence of the Millennial generation taking leadership in churches, there have been trends toward more modern, contemporary, and even a concert-like atmosphere in church services with a large millenial population. This has been an area of caution for me. I love, LOVE,
I have been to churches where worship service was more of a concert with the fancy light shows and fog machines--- and songs I have never heard before. Eventually I would just sit down and enjoy the show because I couldn't actually "participate" because I didn't know any of the words-- even with them on the screen, the unfamiliarity of the music made it where it was best interpreted as a concert. I could sit and observe and appreciate the lyrics at that point-- but it was not a coorporate worship service that we could all participate. I secretly would wonder if it was really necessary for the light show and fog machine to reach the masses with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This past Sunday I visited a church with some close friends while Brad traveled to Denver City. This church caused a lot of my opinions and biases to surface and have a head on collision!I was talking to my friend before the service started and shared with her about my momentary crisis of conscience and conviction -- realizing that God was about to shed some light on some issues and give answers to some of my questions....whether I wanted Him to or not!
...About that time the fog machine started to release smoky fog in the air. There I stood a bit perplexed and conflicted emotionally and spiritually.
The music started. The people were singing and I found myself very familiar with the songs so I had a voice to sing and I could participate. People moved from just singing to intense worship and I sensed the familiar presence of God in our midst. In my observation, this church had a heart for reaching the millenial generation and their parents. The vast majority of the near 2000 people were from the age of 12-55. There was a good presentation from the senior adult crowd as well-- but it was obvious this was a church built on YOUNG FAMILIES-- but everyone was welcome!
As I began to reflect on my thoughts and discomfort about why this scenario of "entertain them to death" showmanship bothered me in the past, I remembered thoughts such as 'why spend so much money on fluff and external decor when we could spend that money on missions! Is a fog machine really NECESSARY to give a sound gospel doctrinal message?
It was as if my loving Heavenly Father put his arm around my shoulders, pulled me close to Him and then smacked me on the back of the head! I was reminded of a similar conversation among the disciples when Mary Magdalene poured expensive purfume and oil on the feet of Jesus--- a lavish outpouring of her affection for Him. The disciples grumbled among themselves saying "shouldn't that purfume have been sold and the money given to the poor?!!?".
In that moment I realized God was about to make Himself so very clear about His heart towards some of my biases! I felt I was about to enter a Job conversation with God that would end up with me just sitting down and putting my hand over my own mouth with my eyes wide open and awe-struck!
And so it began....
It was as if God asked me to look around and report to Him what I was seeing. I observed about 2000
people made of millenials and their parents/grand parents worshipping in one accord, being challenged to live a biblical lifestyle in a godless culture, how to be prepared for potential persecution for their beliefs and how to STAND strong in the midst of ridicule, bullying, or a work environment that is hostile to their faith, how to build community with other believers and how to love our enemies and those who persecute us for the cause of Christ.
Then it was if God asked me when was the last time I saw a church filled to the brim and overflowing with the "next genration"--- and this church refused to call them the NEXT generation-- in fact they went as far to COMMISSION them as the NOW the generation. I had to think-- my home church is reaching this age group albeit in a more traditional means, but the previous church experiences I have been a part of was always a struggle to see growth in the youth and college age. We were at a church for a 3 years where it was a struggle to get more than 4-6 youth to come to bible study at all. This church had an ongoing struggle and battle of the wills with the older and younger generation over traditional vs comtemporary--- ultimately the kids quit coming all together.
That still small voice whispered once again-- where do you think they would go? Where would they feel welcome to worship in a way they can connect with Me?
Right about that time a stream of fresh fog washed across the room and the light hit it just right and I observed old and young alike worshipping with hands raised to the God of the universe!...Then that proverbial slap to the back of the head! My loving heaving father spoke to my heart. "So, if a fog machine and lights make them feel welcome here and they are free to worship, would that be okay with you?!!?"
OUCH! ...but understood!!
I remember the painful heartbreak of watching warring factions in the body of Christ that would rather see a church split than compromise on how to make church welcoming to both young and old alike. Worship is such an intimate experience, and ideally one should be able to worship in any circumstance-- but there is 
In essentials... unity.
In non-essentials...liberty.
In all things...LOVE.
