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Cool is No Longer Cool
The American Church is not lacking for “cool” pastors. Like a single guy who is trying just-a-bit-too-hard to impress a girl, some churches are simply trying too hard to be cool.
I’m very encouraged to see a shifting in direction. For years, many of us seemed focused on:
- Designing relevant church experiences.
- Producing entertaining videos.
- Creating inviting environments.
- Crafting sermon series to draw a crowd.
- Writing sermons with shock value and plenty of humor or stories.
While all of the above can be effective tools, many of my friends are intentionally moving in a stronger direction. So many great Christian leaders are seeing far better results with:
- Bathing a sermon in prayer.
- Fasting regularly.
- Practicing personal confession and repentance.
- Preaching from the overflow of time alone in God’s word.
- Caring deeply for others in biblical community.
I’m thrilled so many leaders are placing less emphasis on being cool and more emphasis on being like Christ.
There is a voice that is rising up within our nation that is calling for a return to simple New Testament Christianity in the Church. In the midst of today’s pressing problems, slick Sunday morning shows fail to deliver mid-week power.
I don’t know about you but, I long for the day when our youth will once again be required to carry their bibles to church. Do we really need double jumbotrons in mid-sized churches that weaken our already lax ability to know our bibles?
I say, nix the electronica and fast, pray and get the clear voice of God once again. Have we contemplated why Jesus didn’t come to the earth in 2009? Just think of all the technology he could have at his disposal! But then, it is not technology that changes lives, it is God’s supernatural power distributed by Spirit led saints.
Craig always challenges and makes you think outside the box. What a great reminder. Thanks for sharing that Tom.