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Method vs. Message
I like change. I know some people struggle with changes, but I thrive on them. And the best thing about change…if it doesn’t work out, guess what? You get to change it again.
Over the years of ministry, my husband and I have swam against the current of people who fight change. One thing that has frustrated us more than anything is the phrase: We’ve never done it like that before. (Yes, people ACTUALLY say that.)
Do you know why that phrase kills pastors? Because what they really are saying is: We don’t like change. Don’t change the carpet, don’t change the paint color, don’t change the order of the service schedule, don’t change the songs…and heaven forbid…don’t change us.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m glad I’ve changed over the 39 years of my faith walk with Christ. A true Christian experience is evolution. No, we don’t start out as a blob of organisms, slither along on our bellies, then sprout legs and walk upright. But we evolve…like Peter did.
Peter evolved from a common fisherman to a Holy Spirit-filled preacher and leader of the new church. Peter changed in a multitude of ways. He looked out among the people who may have said, “we’ve never done it like this before,” and changed the way they thought and lived.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever…but the method in which we teach and preach the message of Jesus has, can, and should change. Where would we be if people didn’t change the method in which the message is spread? I shudder.
If changes in the church make you uncomfortable, I challenge you to look at the heart of the message, not the method, and test it to see if it isn’t the same message Peter preached on the day of Pentecost that added 3,000 souls to the new, changed, church of that day.
Too often, faithful church goers think church is supposed to meet their needs, but church isn’t about us, it’s about JesUS. Who is the message of Jesus for? The unsaved. How do we reach the unsaved? Paul explains it best in 1 Corinthians 9:22b-23:
"I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel that I may share in its blessings." ~Apostle Paul
It’s not the method that matters; it’s the message within the method. So, you’ve never done it like that before…try it. And if it doesn’t work, change it.
Amen! I grew up in the church, and what was considered sacreligious in my early years is now common practice. (EX: Any musical instrument other than piano and organ) Life is full of change and we need to deal with it, Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit--I struggle with some changes, but in the church I try to be open to the heart of the Gospel. As you pointed out so well, that's the most important thing.
ReplyDeleteOne of the best books I've read (that might help those who struggle with changes in the church) is Who Stole My Church? by Gordon MacDonald. It's fiction, but really deals with the issues in a "user-friendly" way.
ReplyDeleteOur walk with the Lord is supposed to be constantly changing...from glory to glory...it is a daily progression of perfection and of striving to be more like Him. I sure am glad I'm not like I used to be, but I want to change even more! :) Thank you for this blessed reminder, Mari ♥✞♥
ReplyDeleteOhh, Mari - did I EVER need this message. Thanks for the reminder, sweetheart. Embracing change today (and hopefully tomorrow too LOL)
ReplyDeleteOur church is really good about changing things up so we don't get too used to any one thing. If it's always changing, how can people complain it's not how we do it? :) Sounds like a good plan to me. lol Even our first, more traditional service embraces these changes.
ReplyDeleteYou're right how we forget about who church is really for, Mari. It is for the unsaved.
Our church made cards for us to hand out to people and they are very trendy. It includes our mission statement and also has things like: our service times, what do I wear, will i have to say anything, will I be bored, what about my kids, worship style... - all questions people ask when looking for a church.
I believe our church is growing because it's not afraid of changes and we have a very strong Biblical foundation that does not shake.
Lately, these topics have been challenging and our toes might be a little bit sore. I know mine are. Keep listening to God's still, small voice, girls, and challenge us with what God puts on your hearts.
Great message!
ReplyDeleteI love change. But I must admit there are times when God calls me out of my comfort zone, I drag my feet! Thanks, Mari! Hugs!
What? Change the order of worship?? Sacrilege!! LOL! I know exactly what you mean, sister. Thanks for this message (and the method was pretty good too.) :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the input and encouragement. I'm so thankful for the changes God has made in my life, and I look back on how "religious" I was while raising my kids and if I had to do it over again...I would re-asses the "why's" of the "how's" in our life.
ReplyDeleteLet's keep the main thing the main thing...and shine our lights for ALL to see. :)
I heard a local pastor speak on change once. He used his baby as an example. He said she would scream mightily and refuse diaper changes, but he couldn't not change her. And how we do that, too. "No, I don't want a change!" But then afterwards we're so grateful and see the wisdom of it.
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts Mari. I know if I don't let God change me, I start to stink. LOL.
Oooh Lynn - I LOVE that word picture. I DEFINITELY don't want to stink.
ReplyDeleteVery good addition to the thoughts shared here, Lynn.
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Change, for me, is easiest and nicest surprise when I sort of look back and realize where I was a year ago, 5 years ago and see increments of growing in my faith.... just do not change those pieces of medical equipment that I am so familiar with (syringes in the doc's office that I worked at 10 years - etc) GRIN
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