We may not be able to see into anyone’s heart, but we can sure see the fruit that’s falling at their feet.

You’re right, there is an element of performance but when you can see something visibly turn on ‘more’ when in the spotlight – it no longer feels like the person is up there leading worship.

It isn’t however the main point anyway. What truly concerns me is when a church becomes our ‘only’ world. Where we live, breathe and find our identity in it.

Worship styles will never suit everyone. I struggle with the issue of things being showy and popular because I don’t think that’s how Christianity necessarily works. And when that’s coupled with a touting of ‘how good our particular church is’, well, that defeats the purpose of Church.

I also think there is an element of performance in just about everything we do…even designing a beautiful brochure. There is performance in a drama, or a sermon for that matter. The degree of this might offend our Aussie sensibility but I dont think it goes against a biblical principle.

I think its one thing to say..my personal preference is not for that musical or worship style…no problem with that, God has made us all different. I also think we all of our own subjective views on what authenticity it…but God looks on the heart.

Maybe the girl was just trying to do her best to lead the people.

He spoke briefly of a line from the Apostle’s Creed. “I believe in… the holy catholic church, the communion of saints,”

Anyway, I just thought that it was interesting that the sermon and this post are kind of interrelated.

It is a big call and in many ways I do not have the right to make it, I guess what threw me most was watching a young (quite innocent looking) singer on stage’s demeanor change when there was a live video camera on her. I was sitting directly at the front and had a pretty good view.

I am definitely recognising that, and I hope for many, genuine people who are upfront but I guess the root is in asking why do we make our churches showy and in some cases only present a certain ‘type’ of person at the front (I’ve seen it done, where it’s the young and good looking up there exclusively).

I haven’t personally been hurt by a large church. I’ve gone to quite small churches most of life of a wide variety of denominations, my current church is large and getting larger.

I have had a close friendship with someone who was hurt by the fake ‘happy clappy’ demeanor of a church because of what she was going through at the time.

What it really comes down to (and this is an issue for any church, big or small, pente or conservative) are the relationships that should be happening and space for those to happen. And the allowance for less to be driven by what goes on a Sunday or AT church during the week.

When church (institution) becomes someone’s world – when it drives their social, work, spiritual and verbal interaction it gets plain creepy.

Get out there?

That’s a big call you’ve made. I don’t want to seem like Im having a go at you. I always read your blog and I love your blog and I know that your intentions are pure. But I guess I just want to challenge you on that.

Do you make these assumptions based on past hurts? Do you know any of these people personally and have a close friendship with them? Or are you make judgements from a distant?