Holy WarsWagging the InstitutionTags: Church Growth Movement, Church Growth
Consultant, Great Commission, Frank Pooler, Holy Spirit
Wagging
the Institution
During the time that I was on the road
ministering in music with a band, a lot of surprising circumstances unfolded that left us
completely dumbfounded. In one instance, as we were talking to the pastor before a gig we
discovered that he had done nothing to advertise the concert we were going to perform in
that night. The pastor simply stated that they were trusting in the Holy Spirit to bring
the people in. We played for only the pastor and his family that evening. In another instance a
church fully devoted to the “make everything in the church marketable” creed in
reality did the worst job of promotion imaginable. The advertising material that was
published in print was horrific and did nothing to attract people to the church. However,
great effort was exerted to clothe every ministry and event with a particular
“look” as to catch the attention of an audience. The irony of the whole affair
was that while zealously focusing all of their attention on marketing they missed the
point of what marketing is all about – getting the word out to people. On one weekend
the church threw an evangelistic concert and failed to adequately advertise it. Hardly
anybody showed. Sometimes the obvious is the thing that is most often missed. To
neglect advertising is nothing more than the same impertinence that the devil tempted
Jesus with when he suggested that the Lord jump from the temple pinnacle. To fail to put
effort into getting the word out is no different than jumping off a building and expecting
God’s angels to catch us. It is nothing other than presumption. But “Jesus said
to him (Satan), ‘It is written again, You shall not tempt the Lord your
God.’” (Matt 4:7 MKJV)
My
wife, Vanessa, happens to be in charge of marketing for a new homebuilder. The philosophy
of this organization is to build a good product and then market it as such. This is not so
in many churches today and we see the “marketer wagging the institution”
everywhere we look. As the church today delves into new marketing strategies, along with
adopting the enlightened “conform to the world” marketing approach presented by
growth consultants, pastors will determine that the church itself is not marketable. Yet
churches have always had the best imaginable product to market. This is the Gospel set
within a rich 2,000-year history that answers all of the questions of life. But more times
than not when churches get involved with these new marketing schemes, the message gets
watered down and the heritage of the church evaporates as if it is an embarrassment. And
rather than marketing music, they suggest that the church makes its music marketable. The
idea is to change the very fabric of the church to make it more appealing until nothing is
considered for its intrinsic value. If it gets in the way of growth, then throw it out. This
not only is destructive but a work of the flesh. It is impossible to be effective for God
when you depend upon the merits of your own strength. The church cannot grow apart from
the work of God’s hand through the Holy Spirit. (Rom 8:5) And though we have been
called to “go ye therefore,” if the message and the church itself have been
watered down in the process, then what is the sense in going? For if the church in history
is rejected, then of what value is the message upon which it was built? And if the message
itself is discarded, what is left? So
watch out for those who will tell you otherwise. “Let no one deceive you with empty
words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light
in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” (Eph 5:6-8 MKJV) True
growth is not primarily a marketing issue, but the result of spiritual fruit that ushers
from the Holy Spirit . . .People have spiritual needs. And, mainly because of theological
and political liberalism, our society is a pretty frightening place to be in these days.
It is the church’s job to provide the peace and security that the Christian truth
base, tradition and sound doctrine offers. And if it provides this, lost people will come.
God will take care of that. It’s just that simple. Christians
are not called to conform to society, but to influence it. This is because they are
commanded by God to be different. The Biblical Church has successfully adhered to that
principle for 2,000 years and Christianity has fared quite well because of it. Contrary to
the contentions of our contemporary Church Growth consultants, there is no reason to
believe that things have changed today. If you liked this CLICK HERE or call Author House @ 888.280.7715 to purchase a soft or hard cover copy of Don Wigton's book "Holy Wars" upon which this blog is based.Click Here to purchase the E-book edition for only 99 cents!
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