Does “Seeker-Sensitive” Really Equal “Watered-Down”?

Orginally published on Tuesday, October 04, 2005 at 1:00 PM
by Todd Rhoades

As many of you know, I just returned from the Innovative Church Conference at Granger Community Church (near South Bend, IN).  Granger is a remarkable church.  While I’m sure they don’t like labels, they would be very ‘seeker-sensitive’ in their format, often using current cultural themes during their weekend services to communicate with unbelievers.  There is much written on the internet (particularly now with blogs) about the seeker-sensitive movement; and much of it is ill-informed in my opinion.  At the conference, Granger met this criticism head on.  They even showed a video clip from a local church pastor preaching against their church (naming them by name) and saying that the folks at Granger "do not serve the same God as we do".  What arrogance.  Enough of this "seeker sensitive = watered down" mentality.  It just simply isn’t true.  (I’m sure there are some cases this could be true… but many of the seeker/culturally driven models are getting the work done WITH the talk of sin, blood, punishment, etc.)

Here's a definition of the 'seeker-sensitive' church from the "Arrows Astray" website.  God bless Randy (the writer).  He is my brother in Christ, I'm sure, but I think he's bought a line from others who reiterate the anti-seeker-sensitive talking points.  Randy writes:

What is the seeker-friendly movement? It is a philosophy of church growth that seeks to discover what characteristics the unconverted would like in a church to induce them to attend, then seeks to fashion the church to please their carnal desires.

Yes, the seeker-sensitive church does make changes to make people feel comfortable in a situation that many people are not normally comfortable in.  But to say that seeker targeted churches fashion their services for the purpose of helping sinners enjoy their sin?... that's downright crazy.

Here's an example.  I know nothing about car maintenance.  So, it's pretty natural that I don't feel extremely comfortable talking to my auto mechanic.  Once he starts talking about 'valve covers' or 'differentials', I'm lost.  But worse than being lost, I'm uncomfortable.  Actually, beyond uncomfortable, I feel totally stupid because I don't know what he's talking about.  I don't speak his language.  That doesn't change the fact that the valve covers or differentials are a valid part of the car.  It doesn't change their purpose or how they work, or the truth of their existance.  I would much rather go to a mechanic that treats me with respect where I'm at in my auto maintenance journey than someone who is going to take pride in knowing more about car engines than me.  Someone who will help me understand, from my viewpoint, what my car's problem is.

The same things shows itself in the seeker-sensitive model.  People who have never darkened the door of a church are nervous.  What are the pictures of angels doing on the wall?  What's the infactuation with doves?  Where did they get this organ music? 

Why SHOULDN'T we talk in a different language?  Why would we WANT to make people feel uncomfortable?  Why WOULDN'T we want to meet these people where they're at?  Really, we'd be silly not to.

That doesn't mean that our message changes.  I'm afraid that most seeker-sensitive opponents have never stepped foot in one.  Most go off of information they've heard from others.  Granger, for example has meaty 40-minute messages that would be on par in scope and depth with most 'non-seeker' churches.  There is mention of sin.  There is mention of commitment.  There is mention for their need for Christ.  I know.  I've actually been there.  A few weeks ago, they baptized over 400 new believers in Christ. 

Randy continues:

There are, of course, different degrees to which churches are willing to compromise the truth of Christianity to accomplish this end.

Again, here is the accusation:  Seeker-sensitive = compromising the truth.  Sorry, but that doesn't have to be so.  Just because a church is welcoming and inviting to an unbeliever doesn't mean that the church and it's leadership has compromised the Word.  That's a huge accusation; and made almost 100% of the time because of the church's music, size, and outward image.  And if it's repeated enough, people (at least in the Christian community) start to believe it.

Some seek to retain at least an external appearance of historic Christianity, while others seem to have totally abandoned it.

"External appearance" probably because Randy hasn't ever entered one.  (My guess).  "Seem to" admits that he's just not sure.

The problem is, once a person has embraced the basic philosophy that drives this movement, there is really no stopping place on the road to adopting pagan religion.

OK... honestly, you lost me there.  That's the same leap the local pastor who spoke against Granger made:  "The people there don't serve the same God as we do".  In other words, 'they're pagan'.

The focus is Jesus, guys.  The goal is introducing people to Jesus.  If someone introduces people to Jesus in a different way, using a different method then you do, it doesn't mean they're pagan, or that they serve a different different God.  It means they use a different method.  That's all.

You see folks, anyway you look at it, it's still a valve cover.  But the way you describe a valve cover (and what it does; and why I need a new one) makes a world of difference in whether or not I heed your advice.

It seems to me the same is true in the way we tell people about Jesus.

Todd

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Hi... I'm Todd Rhoades. I'm a chronic workaholic, love to connect leaders with other leaders, and would consider myself somewhat of a 'maven'. Hopefully you'll find something here at MMI you'll like and will return often. If you want, you can find out more about me or follow my every step.

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