Relevant/Journey OP Churches a Threat?

[SDG]

Originally Posted by deltaguitar

The pentecostals of West Monroe are a relevant group. I have been to their youth service slam planet a few times. I just thought it was a lot of hype that there was 300 youth on a Wednesday night but when we took our youth there was right at 400 kids there and they did not disappoint. From music and lights to great teaching the kids loved it and were all praying in the altar.

Now, the question is how long can this go on before the doctrine is seriously questioned and this new crop of youth leaders start to question the three-step message. These folks are three-step but very relevant in their community.

I've heard nothing but great things about the pastor there. My online dealings w/ the pastor there have been very pleasant, also.

I have family friends that assist at this church.

[Sherri]

Good to know that I have no longer "gone Charismatic" but now I have "gone relevant". It's important that I know what I am.

[SDG]

Originally Posted by Sherri

Good to know that I have no longer "gone Charismatic" but now I have "gone relevant". It's important that I know what I am.

Your Edge service would definitely fit the "relevant" bill.

When are you guys breaking ground?

When is the building expected to be completed?

[Sherri]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

Your Edge service would definitely fit the "relevant" bill.

When are you guys breaking ground?
As soon as we get the first million dollars in the bank. Right now we have about half of it. We are going to go ahead and do the new parking though. That alone is over $300K!!! Then as we get the money, we will proceed.

When is the building expected to be completed?

Well, it's about two years out probably. I wish it was before then, but $$$$$$$ is needed. Please pray for a miracle. We don't want to be that much in debt. Meanwhile, we will just keep adding services, I guess.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by A_PoMo

Perhaps, but don't you think that perception is changing?

Not really. It seems to be a personal preference. Many UC Pentecostals use it as sort of a slur to title any OP that does not agree with them on any one standard or even TV...they've gone charismatic...which to them has nothing to do with the gifts or new birth

[A_PoMo]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

Not really. It seems to be a personal preference. Many UC Pentecostals use it as sort of a slur to title any OP that does not agree with them on any one standard or even TV...they've gone charismatic...which to them has nothing to do with the gifts or new birth

Yes, that's unfortunately true. I meant is it changing in the evangelical community? For them I think 'charismatic' refers to those who use the gifts, whether they speak in tongues or not.

[ReformedDave]

Originally Posted by deltaguitar

In order to stay relevant I would think that the most important thing a pastor and saints could do would be to get outside the walls of their church and just BE among the people. Don't be afraid to make friends, feed the homeless, visit the nursing homes, visit those in prison and anything else you can do to reach out to those who have real needs.

A comprehensive Christianity......who'd of thunk it.....oh yeah! "Go and make disciples..."

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

These questions are receiving a large amount of "air time" amongst my peers.

There are two things we must realize.

1. The words "emergent", "emerging", and "relevant" have replaced the words "charismatic" and "liberal" as the preferred weapons of the radical right. The Borg is in full attack mode, using these new weapons as virtual "smart bombs" on those who would be creative.

2. There will be articles in the major periodicals addressing this issue.

True, my pastor is already dropping terms like "emergent", "organic", "relevant", etc in his sermons. I'm thinking they had a leadership seminar on it or something.

I think people are different by nature. Some will never be won to the Lord in the traditional models of church. I honestly believe that various forms of churches and ministries can function in harmony to reach all stripes of individuals. But apparently not everyone thinks this way.

I'm afraid that they're missing a major opportunity. Most of the Evangelical churches I know who are leary of the emergent or relevancy movements are leary of it because of the possibility of "heresy" and...denial of the essentiality of belief in the Trinity among emergents. Frankly, that's an open door for Oneness teaching.

In one Bible study our Pastor talked about how fast the emergent and house church groups are growing throughout American Christianity. And then he admonished us to do more door knocking and outreach to get people to come to church as opposed to becoming connected with this movement. But here's the deal....those movements are growing in America because most Americans are tired of the old traditional "churchianity". They want something fresh and real without the "show" and the "dressing up". They want something REAL that is down to earth and something as primitive and simple as meeting in a livingroom for group Bible study and prayer. Here's my issue...instead of begging God to eventually bless what we're doing....why don't we just do what God is blessing and reap his harvest?

[SDG]

DB's? Relevant?

http://www.bethechurch.tv/

[ReformedDave]

Originally Posted by Aquila

True, my pastor is already dropping terms like "emergent", "organic", "relevant", etc in his sermons. I'm thinking they had a leadership seminar on it or something.

I think people are different by nature. Some will never be won to the Lord in the traditional models of church. I honestly believe that various forms of churches and ministries can function in harmony to reach all stripes of individuals. But apparently not everyone thinks this way.

I'm afraid that they're missing a major opportunity. Most of the Evangelical churches I know who are leary of the emergent or relevancy movements are leary of it because of the possibility of "heresy" and...denial of the essentiality of belief in the Trinity among emergents. Frankly, that's an open door for Oneness teaching.

In one Bible study our Pastor talked about how fast the emergent and house church groups are growing throughout American Christianity. And then he admonished us to do more door knocking and outreach to get people to come to church as opposed to becoming connected with this movement. But here's the deal....those movements are growing in America because most Americans are tired of the old traditional "churchianity". They want something fresh and real without the "show" and the "dressing up". They want something REAL that is down to earth and something as primitive and simple as meeting in a livingroom for group Bible study and prayer. Here's my issue...instead of begging God to eventually bless what we're doing....why don't we just do what God is blessing and reap his harvest?

Pragmatism?????