What if our Appeal is Appalling?

[Apocrypha]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

I have given some thought to our presentation of Christianity and how we project the gospel to the lost by how we "do church".

Are we really reaching across the spectrum of our society? Or is it simply a segment that find our special niche attractive?

It seems the primary attraction of Pentecostalism has often been the exuberant congregants who enthusiastically recite stories of their radical transformation. Their rejection of what was perceived a stoic Christian religion often preceded their conversion and embrace of Pentecostalism. They eagerly embrace the idea that quieter churches and those who worship liturgically are in fact "dead churches". They are attracted to the total abandon shockamoo style of worship and seem quick to denigrate those who see less virtue in the same.

Having a jam session and headbangin worship may be kewl to some, but to most? Are we appalling to more than we are appealing to?

My question is, "What if one is not appealed to the way church is done"?

What if one really does not find total abandon attractive?

What if one does not see the virtue of a solemn liturgical service?

Is there outreach to those who aren't already wired like us?

Does it matter? Is it God Himself who sets the tone/style or do we have an actual responsibility to design our services and worship experience?

Is it our duty to find what is most attractive and acceptable in the society we live in?

Some have broadened their scope by have various services with different styles in each.

How far should the church go the be appealing to all peoples?

Are we appalling to more than we are appealing to?

A moment that changed my life was a airplane ride from IBC/Indiana to S. Florida. I did the switchover in Chicago and was sitting next to a middle eastern lady next to me. She was Coptic Orthodox (Egyptian Orthodox). I tried to open her up for some witnessing and started asking her about the way they do church. I asked if it wasnt a bit dry having all that high liturgy style worship. She told me no... the way they looked at it is that they have spent 2000 years refining a better way of worshiping God in all his majesty. I thought about all the wild and stupid stuff I've seen in my background and told her that was a beautiful testimony.. then I shut up and cracked open a book while I thought about what she said.

Some folks are more cerebral or are attracted to high liturgy approaches also. It serves its place like the other worship and teaching styles.