Liesje
Blue Crack Addict
coemgen said:I think he's at an odd spot because he's like a celebrity. I don't think he's in the same vein as a TV evangelist, and I think he's in it all for the right reasons and he's genuine, but being a pastor and a celebrity can't be good for the church or for him. At the very least it can't make things easy.
I agree. I was disappointed I didn't get to hear him. I hope he's able to continue using his success to promote God above himself and his church (not that that's what I think he's doing, but it happens fairly easily).
As for his church - I didn't like it, but I knew I wasn't going to. It was very "me"-focused, rather than God-focused. It was all about personal spiritual renewal. The sermon/message was basically the guest pastor's testimonial. I prefer a sermon that is based on some Scriptural text, contains good exegesis (that the pastor has done, not just reading out of commentaries), and offers some conclusion about what it says regarding the relationship between God and people. I've always felt that testimonials are more appropriate in a small group setting, or as a different part of the church service (like many churches will do "minute for missions" when a visiting missionary will give a brief talk about his/her experience). When I'm in church, I prefer a very reverent atmosphere. I am there for GOD, not myself. Church is not about making Christianity relevant to ME, but about making my life relevant to God's plan. I like to look forward and see a big cross and the symbols of the sacraments, not a person in jeans with a spotlight on him/her and a band.
I think it all boils down to personal preference. I don't think one way of worship is better or worse than the other. There are some churches that I will never feel comfortable in, but I don't think they are un-Christian. I'd rather have this than ask every church to compromise for everyone.