Does “Seeker-Sensitive” Really Equal “Watered-Down”?
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Tue, October 04, 2005
- Viewed 191
- (100) comments so far
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
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.)
Comments
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Jim Boggan on Tue, October 04, 2005
I’ve heard much of the same about the seeker-sensitive movement, though I’ve not been to such a church.
For years I’ve been bothered by the fact that believers have their own jargon. Of course, all groups do, from mechanics to pizza delivery drivers to brain surgeons. We have a right to our own as well, apart from one factor: our King has ordered us to reach the world.
I suspect that much of the SS criticism could equally apply to most churches.
It’s been said the Evangelical movement — ‘with an emphasis on the jelly’ — is a mile wide and an inch deep. But I doubt that elimination of SS churches from the mix would change the statistic which, for example, shows as many divorces among Christians as in the society at large.
Another example: many have noted the tendency by conservative churches to preach against tobacco and alcohol, then adjourn to the fellowship hall to become gluttons and gossips.
We tend to pick our own sins. I doubt that SS churches are necessarily guiltier than others.
Jeanne on Tue, October 04, 2005
I believe the term “seeker-sensitive” speaks for itself. Jesus sought after the needs of those around Him and KNEW their needs, fears and problems before He did anything for them. He was “sensitive” to who they were and how and why they came to Him. We need to do the same, but in support of some who are struggling with the seeker sensitive churches and those churches who are moving to more contemporary styles, we must be sure to always have a place for the people who are saved, and remember that tradition and familiarity is important for them as well. I guess the real deal is simply getting out in the community (outside the walls of the church building itself) and letting the unsaved know that Christianity is about love and helping those in need and showing the gospel message as well as preaching it.
Dane on Tue, October 04, 2005
Jesus and Paul were certainly seeking to save the lost. But unless we oversimplify and make seeker-sensitve only about culturally relevant forms and language, let us not forget the actual content of the preaching of Jesus and Paul.
They strongly warned people that unless they repented they would die in their sins. On at least two occasions that we know about Jesus’ sermon caused almost everyone to leave! (the woman caught in adultery and the John 6 ‘unless you eat my flesh’ sermons.)
If Jesus is our model, then we need to be willing to not only befriend sinner but also to offend those who love their sin! (and that by the way is just about everyone!)
I say “yes” to savy cultural formats, and “yes” to the uncompromised preaching of Truth.
I’ve listened to Joel Osteen numerous times and I’ve yet to hear him even mention the Cross or Repentance or giving up everything to follow Christ. It’s seems to be about how to keep your nose clean and get all the goodies you can out of this life. But Jesus warned people, “He who seeks to save his life will lose it” and that you can “gain the world and lose your soul”!
Alan on Tue, October 04, 2005
As a pastor in the U.K. I really appreciate many of the articles & insights offered.
Regarding the ‘seeker-sensitive’ movement, I think a lot of the problem stems from confusion over what the church is trying to do - are ‘Services’ for the people of God to engage in praise, prayer & preaching or to engage in evangelism? both are Scriptural, vital & valid but are distinctively different.
Jay on Tue, October 04, 2005
I have seen non-seeker sensitive churches “water-down” the Gospel. More of the mainline churches than ever are afraid to discuss sin, the blood of Christ, and human struggle for fear of loss of funding. Now THAT’S what I call “watered down.”
Finger pointing and these off-base accusations come from spiritual immaturity. I really think Paul said it best when he said, “As long as they’re preaching Christ!”
Perry on Tue, October 04, 2005
I am a pastor of a seeker sensitive church, we are seeing lives changed every single week. We have not watered down the message at all; in fact, I say things at my church that most pastors of “deep theological” churches might steer away from.
However, about this issue of discipleship—I do agree that we need to make disciples. My problem is that with many churches and Christians it seems that making a disciple is the art of trying to teach someone to think and act just like…me.
But I feel the call on our lives is to teach people how to radically fall in love with Jesus…and then trust the Holy Spirit to guide them to make right, wise decisions. We are all about discipleship, but not into making a list of rules and regulations for people to follow. THAT is the danger.
Just my two cents…
Peter D on Tue, October 04, 2005
Love God. Love Everyone. Preach The Gospel. Baptize. Make Disciples (not JUST converts). That’s the plan. The method? Not an issue as long as the great commandment and the great commission are the focus. There are bad seeker churches, and there are bad traditional churches. The wagging of fingers at each other has got to stop. Those who most often accuse are usually guilty of the same crime.
Larry on Tue, October 04, 2005
I am an elderly father of a 47-year old daughter who has lived a life of addictions to everything, including sex; has developed bi-polar and other mental illnesses, and has been unreachable despite all efforts in prayer and effort on her behalf by family members, church sisters/brothers, pastors, and others.
To make a long story short, in the past year my daughter has given her life completely to the Lord as the result of the ministry of a seeker sensitive church. Literally hundreds have come to know Christ in this local church body in the past couple years. In examining the body to which I am responsible and a member, I recall as many as six in the past five years. Praise the Lord for those six who have accepted Christ; but it’s pretty difficult to disciple those who do not accept; Six vs. hundreds! .... While it may be so that many of these hundreds remain infants in the Lord (as many of “us” continue to be after years of doing church the “right way”); surely more than six of those hundreds have gone on to be discipled and have become strong mature believers!
Thank you Lord for reaching down to my daughter. Thank you servants of God for providing another way to reach the down and outers, and the cultures which we have not heretofore reached in our lesls-than-sensitive churches.
Thanks to the Lord, who used a seeker sensitive church, my daughter is a new person ... spiritually, mentally and in every way. And shame on me and my local church for ignoring or neglecting to reach those who may be unlike ourselves even while criticizing those who are reaching the world for Christ.
Shame on you nay-sayers, of whom I once was!
James on Tue, October 04, 2005
Dear Todd;
I’m a died in the wool believer since I was six. I accepted Jesus early in life because I love Him dearly. I’ve been a pastor for 18 years, so I believe I have a platform to speak from. I believe the “seeker” churches are getting the work done. When you want to talk “comfortability”, how about the demands of the dear “saints” who want their three hymns, two prayers, don’t rock the boat sermons and plenty of “comfort” me ye people. Let’s get realistic about accomodating and being comfortable. The game we’re talking about from anit-seekers, is their being uncomfortable with leading people to change from comfortable to seeking the lost. I’m ready for a change for the church to stop talking, “oh, there just dumbing down the gospel”, to let’s see how the Spirit wants to reach the lost. Guess what I don’t think it’s going to be with hymns, organs and handbells. (And I love all that, I’m a musician). But our world isn’t into organ music, and liturgical habits. Are we making the path clear to Christ or are we putting road blocks and hurdles in their way. The seeker churches want the sinner to come in and be saved, but instead there are too many money changers in the foyer selling their wares of religion 50 years ago. I’m sure there were many Pharisees who honestly believed Jesus was a threat to Jewish tradition and faith. Is that what we’ve become? Pharisees? I’d rather fight the good fight of seeing Jesus in someones life, instead of tearing down another brother’s work and calling that fighting the good fight. Let’s be honest…many practice what is comfortable and easy. Hmm! Isn’t that what we’re trying to fight against, comfort and ease? Sounds like some churches are practicing what they accuse the Seeker churches of doing. I believe we need to remove some beams from our own eyes before attempting to take the splinter out of others. Let God and His Spirit weed out the tares among us. The storms against our faith will make those true in faith stronger. And I don’t mean hunker down and weather the storm, I mean be offensive to the enemy. I see the seeker churches being offensive, and pro-active. And the anit-seekers hunkerers (if that’s a word). I was a hunker for too many years, I’m a threat to the enemy when I become pro-active. And we should be satan’s enemy by definition and practice. We can learn a lot from these entreprenureals of faith, called “seeker-sensitive”.
Dave on Tue, October 04, 2005
I think there is a distinct difference between “seeker sensitive” and “seeker driven”. I agree that unchurched people should feel loved and welcomed into a new environment. I agree with many who say that “the method is not sacred, the message is.” You DEFINITELY do not have to compromise the message for your church to appeal to unchurched people.
However, my experience (visiting other “seeker” churches and as an former assoc. pastor in one) is that Jesus can be mentioned in such a way that salvation is offered, but the ones who respond do not know what they are being saved from (sin, death, etc). Seekers CAN be made to feel so comfortable that they can sit in church and not be convicted of sin or challenged to respond to a higher call. They walk away with philosophies on how to be better spouses, better parents or better human beings - but not given the method by which to attain these things (Bible, prayer, depending on God, fellowship with other believers, etc).
I believe that just as Todd critiques that “Randy” has not been to a seeker church to have his opinions, I would likewise say that Todd has not seen the abuses first-hand in a watered-down seeker church or else his article would have a more balanced viewpoint.
Bottom line: A “seeker sensitive” church is capable of being effective for the Kingdom. But, please don’t tell me that there are not abuses in this movement.
Ben on Tue, October 04, 2005
What a great conversation. I’m a worship leader at a local church that has been striving to be “seeker-sensitive”. We’ve had many “traditionalists” leave our church due to the changes of actually trying to reach out to people who don’t know Christ. Thanks for the post on this issue.
Rev. Eric Kaminski on Tue, October 04, 2005
Just alittle to add to this.
Is it not the responsibility of the Pastor , Rev. Clergy to reach out to the sinners to bring them home unto God and if we need to change some of the ways we except them into our churches then we should do so. Everything that is done should and shall be for the Glory of God . Was it not the Lord Jesus that went out amongst the sinners and saved the souls of the lost? Did He not charge us with the same to teach, to save the lost ,the sinner, that means we must bring the lost and the sinner into the church not to make them anymore of an outcast then what they feel to change somethings to make them understand that what God has to offer them would it not bring them to Jesus more freely to understand that God will forgive them and bring them unto the fold. We must reach out to all not just the saved but also to those who do not believe and to those who are lost. We cannot force our will upon anyone Nor can we force Gods will upon anyone,God gave people a choice ,He never turned them away , He taught as we should teach. God will show the way to those that will listen but if we drive the sinner away then what purpose do we serve.The word God puts fear into all men we are not perfect beings. We must look past our being and remember that the fear that a sinner feels is far greater then what we could imagine. So put yourself in that persons shoes for one minute and think what would you do if someone was standing in front of you and talking all kinds of things that you can not understand. With the fear factor involved you will run.To win the soul it is done with kindness, love honesty, and understanding.So if this means making some changes to get the Word of God across to the lost then by all means.This does not mean to change purpose but to change the approuch on how we bring the lost home.
Tim on Tue, October 04, 2005
I was Chairman of the Deacons in a Presbyterian church and was told to seek fellowship elsewhere if I thought the church should degrade itself to use modern technology to reach out to our community and culture. This year no less. If all “believers” truely lived out mans chief end which is to Glorify God and Enjoy Him forever we would all do our best to be a reflection of Christ instead of finding reasons not to be.
Chris on Tue, October 04, 2005
I attended a church about a month ago - where the pastor repeatedly referred to their services as being for “believers” (and it was very clear that they were). It really hurt my heart to know that we have churches that seemingly ignore Jesus’ command to go to the lost sheep. Whatever the method, our commission is clear.
Peter Hamm on Tue, October 04, 2005
I think the question is “how do you make disciples” regardless of whether the style of your “liturgy” is firmly grounded in 1855 or 1955 or 2005. In John 4:34 Jesus says that “My food is to to the will of the one who sent me.”
If we encourage and equip our people to do those kinds of works of service, like we as pastors and leaders are admonished to do in Ephesians 4:11-13, they WILL become disciples, because they will get fed. I think this strategy will work in a church that is seeker-accessible as well as one that… well… isn’t… (Would anyone admit they’re not by design?)
Just my $.07 (inflation…)
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