Not Relevant Any More

If we are guilty of any thing in the church world today it is that we follow trends in religion that people say make us relevant. I never thought the day would come when I would be considered old-fashioned because I like a blended worship service and still enjoy and use all kinds of gospel music in my church. A dear friend of mine told me that what I was doing wouldn't be considered trend setting and I probably would never grow beyond a certain point because the music that I do wasn't hip and I still wore a suit and tie to preach in on Sunday morning.

Well, I am 60 years old now, but I still consider myself pretty hip (LOL)! I remember when I first started doing blended worship music and people thought I was a wild and crazy guy. It's amazing what 25 years and others following only the seeker friendly mentality will do to a guy. I remember when I was one of the first preachers since our founding fathers day to have a beard and not get crucified. I remember when I was helping people find worship music before it was worship music and singing choruses before there were choruses to sing. I've been doing this for a long time and maybe I remember some things about worship that many people choose not to accept any more.

So can I ask you something, not being sarcastic, but just brutally honest:

-Can you remember the day when people in the congregation sang because they enjoyed singing along with the song leader and choir and not because that became the trendy thing to do? How many folks do you know just stand and listen rather than stand and worship today?

-Can you remember when we in the Church of God were known for our choir music, worship music, and our instrumentation? Whether it was good or bad we made an impression on people because of our hunger and desire for the Holy Ghost to move on us and through us.

-Can you remember when worship didn't center on a production, a team, or the latest trend, but solely on the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ?

What I'm saying is there is room in God's Kingdom work for every style and every type of worship. Call me old fashioned if you want to, but I still believe that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is right in the middle of it all.  Maybe you don't have a super duper, all expenses paid, worship team or band. Maybe you don't have the most elaborate music or media presentation. Maybe you don't appeal to the masses and some people think you are out of date. My opinion is simply we are not doing this thing called church for the trend setters, we are doing it for God. Which ever way you do it, if you do it for Him, you will be blessed.

So don't get discouraged when somebody tells you that your dated or not relevant anymore. If you are doing your best and trying your hardest to please Him, somehow I believe He will show up. And you know what? That's all He expects from you and I.

So folks, let's just have church and do God's thing. It might not please the masses, but if it pleases Him praise God for it. Oh yes, one more thing-Just a little talk with Jesus makes it right.