American Churches Inspiring or Entertaining
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Society -> subcategory Religion.
American Churches: Inspiring or Entertaining?
Summary
Years ago, while traveling through rural Alabama, I visited a small church and experienced something unforgettable. That visit embodied what church means to me.
Article
While traveling through Alabama, I encountered a small white church that left a lasting impression. A larger church had caught my eye first, bustling with activity, but something drew me to the quieter one just a block away. As I approached, two people on the steps waved and smiled, inviting me in.
Inside, there were only four others. I became the fifth, yet there was an undeniable sixth presence?"the Lord. Matthew 18:20 came to mind: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." The spiritual presence was powerful and overwhelming.
This experience became a benchmark for measuring other churches. I’ve attended grand services with thousands of voices, polished preaching, and flag dancers, yet often left uninspired, feeling the fanfare overshadowed genuine connection with God.
Vance Havner, a respected evangelist, often critiqued modern churches for offering performances over authentic experiences. Sadly, my experiences reinforced his message.
In America, entertainment is a billion-dollar industry. Shows like "American Idol" see thousands vying for fame, a testament to our society's attraction to spectacle. When this mentality seeps into churches, it poses serious questions.
The rise of Christian rap, performers, and Hollywood-style productions in services suggests more of the world influencing the church rather than the reverse. Some argue this modernizes the gospel, but the Bible doesn’t support blending worldly spectacle with sacred teachings. Adding flashy elements can weaken the gospel’s pure message, as highlighted in Luke 16:15: "For that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God."
Jesus emphasized simply lifting Him up through His gospel to gather His followers. When churches feel the need for extravagant displays, they stray from the pure, powerful message of Christ. Borrowing secular methods to present the gospel undermines its inherent power and purpose.
An old analogy illustrates this well. An impoverished man, repeatedly turned away from a grand church because of his shabby appearance, sat behind it in tears. Jesus appeared and asked why he was crying. The man replied, "They won’t let me in to worship you, Lord." Jesus responded, "Don’t be sad, my son. I’ve been trying to get in there myself, and they won’t let me either."
This story underscores the danger of valuing appearance and performance over genuine faith and connection. It serves as a reminder that churches should focus on inspiring, not merely entertaining.
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