Re-Thinking The Church (Change or Die!)

Posted on November 09, 2009
Viewed 1232 times
(18) comments

OK... today, we'll start with an assignment. Take a look at this video from YouTube:

After watching this, I was impressed at how much the church needs to change in our ever-changing culture. The computer, the internet, cell phones, wi-fi... everything has changed and is changing.

Yet many churches remain exactly the same.

40 minute sermons.

Stodgy environments.

Irrelevant settings and messages.

As our culture changes to a fast-paced, instant, information 'tidbit' society, the church must adapt.

But many in the church can't or won't. We'll just go on, with our head in the sand, thinking that the social media culture will not affect us. It will. It is.

Many church leaders are busy arguing about online community, online campusus, twitter, facebook, cell phones, and if the church should use them. "If" is the wrong question. "If" actually will kill your church. If you're not already asking "How", you need to start today.

How can your church tap into the hearts and minds of young people who have known nothing else but instant, continuous flows of digital information?

How can your church reach the millions in your community (and in your church) already using social media like twitter and facebook?

How can your church reach your community through new media?

How does this ever-emerging media affect they way you do church currently? The music you play? The length and style of your sermons? How you take your offering? How you greet? How you gather people in small groups?

You have to be asking these questions and changing your methods (but not ever your gospel message).

Go ahead... watch the video again. What ideas does this video give you?

Comments

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Paul Steinbrueck on Mon, November 09, 2009

Todd, it’s good food for thought. I’m not sure I agree that “if” is the wrong question. There is a danger in being not changing with our ever-changing culture, but there is also a danger in chasing every new technology. We need to be sure that if we do something (online community, Twitter, Facebook, cell phones, etc) that we’re committed to doing it well.
Art Good on Mon, November 09, 2009

Churches that don’t keep up with culture (in the USA) are going to die. We can’t change a culture that we aren’t aware of and infiltrating.
John Burton on Mon, November 09, 2009

I’ve heard the idea that the church must keep up with culture. While there is some truth in that, there’s also some concern.

My thought is that the church will die if it tries to keep up with culture.

Instead, the church must again have the focus of driving culture.

Today, we see everything attempting to drive the church, and the church has surrendered.

Personal calendars and cares of life have resulted in churches only having a Sunday morning service. No more Wednesdays, no more prayer meetings.

The social emphasis has resulted in ‘seeker’ churches instead of allowing the Acts 2 strategy to shock, offend and awaken the city.

While we can certainly utilize technologies and pay attention to trends, we have to realize that the church simply isn’t supposed to make a lot of sense to those on the outside… but, it is to draw people away from secular ideals and into the refreshing of a Holy Spirit driven, biblical life.
Dan Moore on Mon, November 09, 2009

All this technology. All this information. I just can’t keep up. I am “dinosauring out.” I like simple. Like handshakes and hugs. You can’t do that with a computer. Like visits, a cup of coffee and smiles. It is not the same with video conferencing. Can’t stand a 40 minute sermon ... and yet the same people will spend hours watching movies as they cocoon in front of a 50” TV with a theater quality sound system. And then there is the visits to the hospital, the home, the hospice…a real person who prays with the people in need. I can watch a Youtube video on how to build a house…but I’d rather get in the dirt, digging the foundation, laying out the boards, etc. It takes people to connect to people to build churches. It takes time to invest - to make that phone call, email that text, and knock on the door. Sending an old fashioned, hand written thank you note still connects. Call me a dinosaur.
Steven Crutchfield on Mon, November 09, 2009

great video….no doubt that it would be sad (as the Church) to be left out of the most influential communication medium ever….can you imagine the hits on Jesus’ Blog…just sayn…with titles like…I love sex addicts, murderers and meth heads….
Oliver on Mon, November 09, 2009

Yes! I agree with the all wise todd! technology is the answer, if churches only adopted facebook and twitter all their problems will be solved! You go Todd!
Steven Crutchfield on Mon, November 09, 2009

Oliver? you drip of sarcasm….u Ok?
Todd Rhoades on Mon, November 09, 2009

Don’t worry about Oliver. He’s doing just fine. He said he was going away but yet he lingers.

Todd
Ray Lewandowski on Mon, November 09, 2009

We have to use culturally relevant methods to drive people into authentic biblical based community. The message is the same, but the way we deliver the truth needs to evolve so everyone is reached with the good news!
Ray Lewandowski on Mon, November 09, 2009

Check out thecity.org
Ray Lewandowski on Mon, November 09, 2009

Sorry for the confusion- Check out onthecity.org and let me know your feedback.
Eric on Mon, November 09, 2009

I read posts on your sight frequently and agree that change is not a bad thing and that churches should not ear it. However, the idea of “if” killing your church as it relates to utilizing twitter, facebook, etc. is more than a little over the top.

If ‘lack of media engagement’ kills a church (ours is actually consistently growing without utilizing anything you just mentioned) then shame on the leadership of that church. I don’t need my LG or laptop to build a personal relationship with someone and share the Gospel.
Ronnie on Mon, November 09, 2009

Let us find a balance here! High tech must not replace high touch! Don’t swing to either or extreme! Malaysian churches are equally affected by the social Internet sites! Tks Todd for the post!
Fred on Fri, November 13, 2009

40 minutes? I know a church where the drone goes on for well over an hour! And anyone who says anything about it is in trouble for going against the leading of the Spirit. A group of people asked the pastor to consider shorter services and he threw a fit. It actually caused a major church split!!!
John Burton on Fri, November 13, 2009

It has to do with whether God’s moving or not. I just got home from a service… I preached for one hour and 25 minutes… intermixed with prophecy, deliverance, ministry, etc.

But, if God’s not moving, then get the message out and move on to other things.