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Thursday, May 20, 2010

Churchianity

I recently watched a video on a friend's blog (Brian Metzger, link to his site at top right of this page). The video is a parody on church culture (here's the youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isGrCmCFFmY).

This was a timely video for me, because I'm a bit disgruntled with Churchianity - even 'comtemporvant' Churchianity (contemporary, relevant). Something is amiss. Even being a musician who at one time lead worship in all kinds of settings, I feel that "lights and big drums" is getting weird in the church context (even though I love lights and big drums). It can feel like we are at the movies - pay to be there (sorta), screen ahead, sound, lights, production - it's even 3D without the glasses! We just don't have that delicious popcorn and a bag of Nibs. We are like consumers, waiting for entertainment (Dance, Monkey! Dance!). Again, I'm guilty of this mentality, too.

Church culture is getting canned: the worship leader must close his/her eyes often and throw in at least 5 "Yes, Lords" and a few "Father Gods" when leading. The preacher must homileticize a message - throw in some comedy - make us want to repent or cry, or cry repenting. The one offering the prayer must make announcements through the prayer ("God, thank you that Johnny is recovering today from a complication with his heart at the QEH - and thank you that he's due to be sent home this Wednesday!").

As far as worship through music is concerned (sometimes I think that worship music is a verb before a noun), the closest I've felt to God in this type of worship recently was through a night of music with Steve Bell (Christian singer/songwriter) who lead worship through his music - one guitar, singing scripture...no "lights and big drums." He told stories (just like Jesus) and just seemed to have "brought Christ" with him. In two hours, he was able to establish relationship with 150 people and lead us into relationship with God.

Now please don't suppose I think churches should close their doors! I do not. However, maybe God should be invited more often to lead in their worship (without the noise, without the "cannedness") ..lead interactions, lead prayer....and really, really lead it back to Himself. He may even take the broader church places She is uncomfortable with or does not want to go. Or maybe She would run in hysterics after Him. I dunno.

3 comments:

  1. Mmmm. Nibs.

    I think the questions you're wrestling with are important. The next 5 years will see a different shape emerging from what has been. Well, maybe 10 years here on the Island...

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  2. See, now THAT gets me fired up! Can't wait to see what that looks like, Brian!

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  3. That video is true. It can be so canned sometimes and fake. I've seen it here and there and everywhere. We're all people...but the focus is out of focus.

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