Biblical teaching is one place where I see LifeChurch somewhat falling short — there simply isn’t a place in LifeChurch to really learn about the Bible. I had assumed that this was what LifeGroups were for, but it turns out that every LifeGroup we’ve tried out were just talking about the sermon. While I have been impressed with the biblical _basis_ of the sermon, I don’t think it has translated into teaching _about_ the Bible.

In another vein, one idea I’ve had for a while is to try to move the seminary closer to the Church. One of the biggest problems in Church today is that the seminary is so far removed from the Church itself - physically, missionally, and spiritually. It should not cost someone an arm and a leg to engage the Bible seriously either at a devotional or an academic level. Preachers should not have to mortgage their life to go to seminary as a prerequisite for ministry, and it should be seen as a normal part of spiritual maturity to start seriously engaging scripture. Seminary needs to be moved physically into being part of the local Church.

Anyway, I wrote up some of my ideas here:

http://baraminology.blogspot.com/2007/09/call-for-new-kind-of-seminary.html

I’m actually in seminary right now at Phillips Theological, with one of my goals being helping bring a deeper study of the Bible to local Churches.

Method vs. Message. Although the former can draw, it is the latter that will keep. The environments we create at our churches must indeed raise hearts and hands, but also lower knees.

IF we needed that kind of crap we’d be in trouble. We’re a church in a former bar/nightclub in the inner-city Detroit. The love of Christ IS the atmosphere for us - nothing postmodern, trendy,etc…

And in three years, we’ve never had a Sunday that someone didn’t accept Christ!

As Toby Mac sang: IF Jesus is in the house, the house is packed” - HE is what we need!!

Craig, this weekend was SO packed with the word! You almost seemed anxious or excited to pour out all that revelation! I loved ALL the Word! Bring it brother!

To clarify what I am saying… will they need to stop just preaching the sugary messages and dive deeper into the convicting messages and be okay wrestling with the questions and the answers?

I believe relevance is essential, but their is no one-size-fits-all approach to what is relevant and what isn’t. Relevance is a function of the culture of a place. What is relevant to a rural church in Indiana may or may not be relevant to a church in Manhattan.

One single thought kept permeating…

It is a significant accomplishment to create a church environment that connects with the culture…and brings many in…but for those who have the vision it is a relatively easy thing…

That accomplishment pales in comparison however to creating a church enviornment that changes the culture, and perverbially “turns the world upside down”…

I am reminded that the unconquearable Roman Empire, was conquered at the life of 1 man, and the twelve who faithfully witnessed concerning Him…

They didn’t have great numbers (at first), as much as great influence, that turned the world upside down…

Again, I think it is a significant accomplishment to be a culture reaching church, but an ultimately more significant accomplishment to change that culture for Christ…

To quote Freederick Douglas…

“One and God make a majority…”

This blog has personally challenged me to take a look at how I measure “success”…

God clearly is using you in great ways,Craig. He’s dumping insight into your mind. Keep sharing… good good stuff.

I appreciate Bobby’s comment also “The key is that the Gospel is what is communicated, not the method.”

I see this in small group circles (I’m a small groups pastor). People get so hung up on the method and the model and not enough on the heart of the message and the simplicity of people following Christ.

Thanks for your voice on this subject. I agree… that’s prophetic.

Your comment that many of your generation weren’t engaged at church reflects on the effectiveness of the Student Ministry Pastors of my generation. Youth ministry has changed so much for the better than when I was doing it. I am fortunate that my two sons had Pastors who cared for them in ways that they are still walking with Christ and serving Him. I pray often for your generation of leaders. I believe that you have a great opportunity/responsibility to find the balance between Gospel and culture.

Large churches can indeed function small in their caring for lost and hurting people. Small churches won’t typically stay that way if they are doing the same.

I think we can continue to use the environment to draw people in and make them comfortable, even inspire them because of the level of excellence. But in the end, it is Jesus who changes their lives! I think that God has anointed you and is guiding you to lead our church like no one else could. I appreciate the simplistic ideal that Jesus Saves and that is all. I’m a fan of the schnazzy videos and flashing lights…mainly cause that hits close to home!

Environments don’t change lives…the true principals of God’s Word do.

What a bold post coming from someone who has practically all of the above.

You can have all of the above but without a sense of love and a foundation of truth based on the Word…then none of the above will matter.

Thanks for keeping the balance Craig.