Twelve Principles for the Church of the Future

The place, date (within the last six months), and speaker for the speech analyzed in this article are known, and much could be said about the presenter, but to keep personalities out of the matter (namely, his), only the issues he raised will be dealt with. Probably two-thirds of the message dealt with a topic only somewhat related to the advice given at the end for reaching Millennials and those who comprise Generation Z. These groups, the speaker affirmed, should be our target audience. He affirmed that we're losing a lot of our millennials to community churches even though they grew up in the churches of Christ.

Therefore, he makes suggestions for changes we can make to appeal to these groups. But he assures the audience that the use of instrumental music and women preachers (or females in leadership positions) are off the table. Well, then, are we not fighting a losing battle right at the outset? Community churches use instrumental music and have women in leadership roles. How are we going to appeal to the M's and the Z's if we eliminate right off the bat two things that they like?

The question that ought to be asked is, "When was the last time someone preached on the role of women in the church, as defined in the Scriptures? How often is the subject of Biblical authority (the way God authorizes what He desires in worship) taught with respect to singing and instrumental music? It is no surprise that youths are attending community churches if the congregations they grew up in have not addressed these subjects in fifteen years. Perhaps, fewer young people would depart from the Lord if they were taught greater respect for God, His ways, and truth.

To be fair to the speaker, he does teach some principles that are really helpful. He explains briefly what is wrong with the "all of life is worship" error. He also points out that a person's conscience will only notify him when he violates his own value system. It will not tell anyone what is right or wrong. And the quote by C.S. Lewis is accurate: "The heart never takes the place of the head: but it can, and should, obey it."

Introduction to Worship

To introduce this aspect of his presentation, the speaker asks what we are going to do to reach those not raised in the church. "In many ways, some of the churches of Christ are losin' the battle, and much of it has to do with the worship environment." He suggested people look up our websites to see how pitiful we are: "…but, boy, some of the churches of Christ are just embarrassing." He further added that we need to put ourselves in the role of a potential viewer and ask ourselves that, if we were watching on line (and were not a Christian), is that a place we would want to visit? How valid is this test?

Haven't we all seen the fake healers on TV, or evangelists who have people running up and down the aisles and doing goofy things? Personally, many of us are repelled by what tries to pass itself off as Christianity. But it draws some people, or those huge auditoriums would be empty. Various folks are attracted to certain aspects of the worship. But when we stream worship live, we're not primarily trying to compete with others for the best show. We're worshipping God and inviting others to join us. If sincerity and truth appeal to them, they will probably like us. If they are motivated by pageantry, traditions, or entertainment, they will prefer something else available to them.

Understand What's Going On.

This is a valid point. Jesus expected His disciples to know what was going on religiously (Matt. 16:13-17). However, it was important for them to know the truth of the matter, which Peter expressed. We do not need to know what is going on so that we can imitate others. We need such information to know what they need to hear and how to approach them individually.

Seeking These Groups Must Be Intentional.

There is somewhat of a point here; we try to target children for Vacation Bible School. But the gospel is for all, and we constantly invite everyone and try to reach all age groups. Most of these suggestions assume that the way we reach most people is through worship assemblies, which is not necessarily the case. Some are reached this way, but most become Christians after a private Bible study.

Again, the speaker lamented that various community churches have a lot of our members. Really? Did their GPS systems get messed up that they keep driving to the wrong locations? John commented: "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us…" (1 John 2:19). Either they were not taught correctly (which is up to each congregation to fix), or they allowed their hearts to drift into error (Heb. 2:1-4).

"We Need to Model Authenticity."

According to the speaker, M's and Z's can't stand those who are fakes. However, some seem able to tolerate their fair share of insincerity and hypocrisy—especially from professors and politicians. How many buy into the phony mantra of "saving the planet"—a message given to them from those who have Abominable Snowman-sized, carbon footprints?

But it is true that authenticity is our best approach—both to God and to others. Jesus condemned the Pharisees who were only religious based on a pretense (Matt. 6 and 23).

"Share Jesus—Not Just the Facts."

Does anyone understand this concept? The Jesus we all know is described in the New Testament. Is there some other source of information? Yes, we need to see the love and compassion of our Lord, and try to understand the immense suffering He experienced on our behalf, but these are facts, also.

The speaker asked if visitors say, "Wow! There's a bunch of people who are focused on Jesus"? Perhaps they do not—if it's their first visit. Someone may be speaking on fornication, adultery, blasphemy, murders, or some other sin Jesus taught against. A preacher could be talking about the fruit of the Spirit as listed by Paul (Gal. 5:22-23) or what we call the Christian "graces" from 2 Peter 1:5-7. Sometimes we present messages from the Old Testament. Yes, we certainly cannot ignore Jesus and His teachings as presented in the gospel narratives, but we have a responsibility to share "the whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27).

"Benevolence Goes a Long Way with This Generation."

The speaker said that M's and Z's think churches of Christ are not benevolent enough and they especially like seeing benevolence in the community. Many congregations and individuals practice benevolence as the opportunity presents itself. The world has hundreds of benevolent institutions. We usually try to help those that members know—unless we are responding to emergency requests from abroad, which local communities may know nothing of.

"Consider a Casual Dress Code in Worship."

And what is the reason for this? It's a big deal to M's and Z's. Hmm. Shouldn't the question be, "What kind of a deal is it to God?" As long as anyone can remember, people had at least two sets of clothes: every day and "Sunday-go-to-meetin'" clothes. Why? Casual attire befits casual activities. People wore their best to worship because they wanted to honor God. Has that attitude been wrong all these years?

The speaker said: "I don't mind people who are doin' this out of authenticity, but I don't think that you should have a code that you have to be dressed up to lead singing or to wait on the Lord's Supper table, or whatever, as long as you are modestly dressed." One sees in this assessment a total lack of Scripture. If elders have such a requirement, are they wrong? Or are not all congregations autonomous anymore? If someone does not feel "authentic" by dressing up, he should dress casually. We know what the motivation is for looking one's best; what is the rationale for dressing like one is going to a basketball game?

The speaker added: "People who cannot dress as well as you or do not choose to dress as well as you should be as welcome in our worship services as somebody who's wearing a $300 suit or whatever." They are, but that's different than leading in worship.

Another topic in this section was: "So, I know some congregations have done away with the pulpit." "But sometimes this pulpit is a symbol of an obstacle between you and those who want to hear the gospel." Huh? This complaint is reminiscent of those 60 years ago who said that a raised platform in the front of the building elevated the speaker above the rest of the congregation—even though the practice seems to have originated with Ezra 2,400 years ago (Neh. 8:4). What difference can a pulpit make to an M or a Z?

"Integrate Newer Songs with Older Songs."

This is a matter of preference—not Scripture. Some older songs have unscriptural lyrics; perhaps some new ones do, also. We should desire to sing the truth.

"Be Willing to Change the Order of Worship Service."

Okay—if there's a reason. Otherwise, we have a system that works. The suggestion of using all-male praise teams is an invitation to a performance. One song leader to direct is sufficient. Four people with microphones is not only unnecessary but overpowering.

Storytelling

According to the speaker, preachers should be "willing to preach, sometime, inductively," referring to storytelling, as Jesus would do. No record exists of Jesus telling a 30-minute story. He used them as illustrations; they were not the point; they explained it. Mocked was the concept of three points and a poem. Is that what preachers do? No one has objected to a story for illustrative purposes; some have objected to the telling of a tale with some oblique point tacked on at the end.

Small Groups

This concept came from Rick Warren's The Purpose-Drive Church (it may not have been original with him, but he promoted it). Usually, these are suggested in place of Sunday night worship. The congregation splits up into different, smaller groups and meets in the homes of members. The reason? M's and Z's like to talk. They probably won't in a large Bible class, but with only 8-10 people in somebody's home, they will. Also, friends will more likely come. Assuming these things are true, why not have such a class on a Friday or Saturday evening?

Members and visitors alike expect a Sunday evening worship assembly. In this era, many people work on Sunday mornings; the evening is their only opportunity to meet with the saints. Furthermore, it is disappointing to travelers to pull into an empty parking lot five minutes before worship only to find no one present. Small groups may be a good idea, but it should not take the place of the worship assembly.

Congregational Meetings

This is a great idea—one that South Seminole has practiced for years. Of course, members do not need to wait for a meeting to make suggestions, but twice a year the elders host a men's and a women's meeting for that purpose. Good communication is a plus. The final section pertained to the physical plant, but no time was left to develop this point.

Conclusion

In winding things up, the speaker said that the general trend in the churches of Christ is in a negative direction. He may be right. We should be looking for ways to improve within the Scriptural boundaries we have been given.

One disturbing comment was that we give the impression, "We're more right than you are. You're a good person, but you're just wrong." Some may feel that way about us. Did not some have that view of Jesus and the church in the first century?

Hopefully, however, we are trying to present a different impression. We know that the Bible teaches the importance of truth (2 Thess. 2:10). That is the goal we all have. It has never been a matter of, "I'm right; you're wrong." The question should always be, "What is the truth on every Biblical subject?" Furthermore, we are always willing to examine thoroughly any tenet we hold. And we pray that others have that desire, also.