Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Tuesday October 18, 2005

For the past number of years there has been a raging belief that in order for a church to grow, it must depart from whatever form is has used to communicate the truth of Christ to the adjoining neighborhood and the world. If you are traditional, you must become contemporary, if contemporary does not work you must move on to rock. Of course there are little divisions in each of these designations and if you have a different slant than the guy down the road, it is ample evidence that you have departed from the faith once delivered to the saints.

Our group prefers Early American Night Club with a mix of Patsy Cline.

I have observed that if we must do something because every one else is doing it this way, why not just join up with the largest group? You should live so long.

Truth be known within the frame work of any worship style, there is a group or groups enjoying 'success' if success is determined by numbers.

It appears that the key is not the style, but the expertise in which the style is presented. Sloppiness in any form does not please the Lord. The old song that uses the phrase, 'Do what you do, do well' is as up to date as any new style being dreamed up in some strategy room of First Who Struck John Church.

Whatever your style, I will not pass judgment on it, for all you have to is visit the church I pastor and you will how it ought to be!

If men who are making total changes would stop and ask, 'Will I be able to do this new style any better than I can do the current one?' they will find an honest answer that could save they and their congregations tons of grief. Before I would change I would put every effort into doing what I am doing better.

In my opinion it is not the style, but the excellence of execution.

When the Holy Spirit gets in the mix, hang on, cause your going somewhere!

I talked with a long time friend the other day about this truth and he got ticked big time. I was not aware that he had attempted to lead his group into a swift, radical change of style and was now driving a delivery truck to pay the bills. The dear brother is a passable speaker, but fancies himself to be a gifted singer also. Trying to blend his limited ability as a speaker and non-existent ability as a singer would not 'fit' in any style. I know how the poor man feels as I am paid extra not to sing solos.

Due to our friendship I offered a softer version of the above advice. Now I have one less dear friend. He demonstrated the truth uttered by Aldous Huxley:

"You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you mad."

Two questions can help save grief in matters of style in serving Christ. What can I do well, with all of my heart? What does the Lord want me to do?

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2005 Use with credit.

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