Tuesday, March 13, 2007
These are things to consider when thinking about the seeker sensitive model for worship and church. Nathan Busenitz, in an article found at the Bible Bulletin Board, examines a very popular author's works and actually questions the Biblical aspects of his books and church growth philosophy. I think it is wise to listen and be concerned over this philosophy. I don't see glorifying God in its purposes. These are just some things to think on in regards to how a church should base its ministries on Biblical Truth, not worldy techniques.
Seeker sensitive philosophy is a man-centered desire for acceptance and influence rather than a God-centered affinity for truth. ( a summary of Nathan's comments)
1. Warren assumes that the primary purpose of Sunday morning church services is to reach out to unbelievers (see p. 243). In the New Testament, however, the reason the church gathers is for worship and equipping (Eph. 4:11-16; Acts 2:37-47). Evangelism is to primarily take place in the believer’s life context (“as you go”—Matt. 28:18-20) rather than being the main focus of the Sunday worship service.
2. Warren assumes that unbelievers are “seeking,” yet Scripture says, “There is none who seeks for God” (Rom. 3:11; Ps. 14:1-3).
3. Warren assumes that the gospel can be made inoffensive to unbelievers if presented correctly. Yet, Scripture teaches that the gospel is, by its very nature, offensive to those who hate God (1 Cor. 1:18, 21, 23, 25; 2:14; 1 Pet. 2:7-8).
4. Warren assumes that the style of music a church uses is one of its most important keys to reaching the culture (see pp. 280-281). Interestingly, the New Testament is silent regarding this “critical” element of church growth.
5. Warren assumes that large numbers indicate true success. He even says, “Never criticize any method that God is blessing” (p. 156) and interprets the “blessing” as that which draws a crowd. But what about the prophet Jeremiah’s ministry? He faithfully proclaimed the truth his entire life and yet saw no fruit. According to Warren’s model, Jeremiah was a failure.
Seeker sensitive philosophy is a man-centered desire for acceptance and influence rather than a God-centered affinity for truth. ( a summary of Nathan's comments)
I am a stay at home mother to 4. I am very blessed to have a godly husband who loves the Lord and his family. I welcome the days of much needed grace,the times of sweet victories,and the tears of trials,knowing it is all for God's glory. I want my lifesong to sing to Him,the author and finisher of my faith. Soli Deo Gloria--To the Glory of God alone.
9 Comments:
We had to learn these things the hard way. Karl and I were part of a church plant, in which the leaders wanted to be seeker-sensitive. This was our first exposure to Rick Warren and his methods. It wasn't long before we realized we couldn't go along with everything they wanted to do. The greatest blessing God gave was the wisdom to end the venture.
Wow. "Never criticize any method God is blessing." ????? Wow. I grew up in a VERY small church (Free Church of Scotland) and I find it amazing that this quote assumes that the main way God blesses a church is by numerical growth. I disagree, but then again, I disagreed with pretty much everything on that list! :-)
I'll be riding your coattails again on this one Kim and putting a link of my blog, if you don't mind. You have been posting on this issue which is so near to my heart because of the situation we were in not so long ago.
During a sermon at our church (currently), our the pastor said he would be preaching a "seeker-focused" message and then waited for the gasps and open mouths from our congregation. Thankfully, he made himself clear by stating, "God is the seeker and the message is from His word"! Loved that :)
God blesses who and how HE chooses and our call to be obedient to the true preaching of the gospel should not change.
Great post - it's almost surprising how these philosophies have seeped into so many churches! Our pastor did a series on the "seeker-sensetive" movement a while back. It really gave me a lot to think about, and be thankful for! I'm so thankful God has brought me to the place in my life where I recognize the need for my worship to be focused on His Person and Word, not my own desires.
Oh my. I haven't visited you in a few days and it seems as though I missed out on some great conversation. Being a minister's wife for 15 years has enlightened me to the many facets of "ministry". I have seen the very good and the very bad. Thank you for being bold enough to post about these issues such as Warren's stand. My biggest concern right now is over the Emergent Church issues. That whole can of worms is really hot right now and it has so easily entangled itself with Christian bookstores selling its idea as truth when in its roots it always ends up in mysticism or something totallly unrelated to the Bible or God. These extremes that are presented as truth are what bother me. I believe that I am strong (by the Grace of God!) and believe God's Word, but so many baby Christians or shallow long-time Christians just follow the newest trend. So sad. Thanks again for the insight.
Thanks, Kim, for all the links and encouragement. I don't know what God's purpose or plan is for having us where we are, but my quiet time this week has been on our purpose being to glorify God. Wherever we are. Whatever we are doing. and for now, that's enough. For now, I'm trying to keep quiet and pray, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead my husband. got any encouragement/advice on that?
Kim,
Thank you so much for this blog today. It was very helpful to read before meeting with our pastor today. To quote Panda-Mom, I think for so long I have been a "shallow long-time Christian," and God is really opening up my eyes. Reading this blog was a great way to prepare my heart for speaking with the Pastor.
Thanks again, Kim. My favorite point Busenitz makes is #1--that the church is to gather to worship (God)and equip (believers). I added the parentheses, but I hope for obvious reasons. Seeker sensitive models & the philosophy behind them are short on both points, if not all together deficient. The worship has become entertainment and/or felt needs support groups. And the equipping has become "what do you feel about the passage?", if the passage even comes from the Bible and not yet another seeker sensitive model & pattern book.
Your points are well made.
Excellent series, Kim, shining His truth on the seeker movement. I hope you continue the series! We learned it the hard way too, and saw firsthand all the things you have pointed out.
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