“Church is boring!”- true? AAW WBC 9 Feb 2003
(PPT= next PowerPoint title)
1) Sometimes yes- it’s the church’s fault
Illustr: me at school. Forced and bored. Doing diary
- Youth group when 9. Changed the clocks & ended up 55 mins early!
Mr Bean is hilarious (roll clip)
- = how some of us have felt! May feel today
- don’t know when to stand/sit
- = like a library! Shhhhh!
o Radio 4 “What’s church?” That’s where we mind our P’s and Q’s
Quote Oscar Wilde:
“The church is viewed as an ageing grandmother, surrounded by memorabilia and odd musty smells. Lovely to visit, but intolerable to live with”-
Need to be v mindful of how it feels to newcomers (PPT)
We mustn’t think: (PPT)
- This is an Anglican, C of E, thing (PPT)
o There’s nothing deader than a dead Baptist church!
- Jesus isn’t there! (PPT)
o Where 2 or three are gathered…”
o When I came to faith I naively used to think it was boring because Jesus probably wasn’t there!
How arrogant!
I failed to see Him!
- They’re not Christians (PPT) OR
- They’re not committed! (PPT)
o Takes a HUGE amount of commitment, faith and maturity to stick with it… something like this!
o The may go for the exact opposite reason!
Deeply committed to Jesus
Maybe to help… grow it
Maybe that’s THEIR way of worshipping, corporately
Besides- only God knows their hearts (ppt)
Another truth is this
We mustn’t think (ppt, runs itself, timed)
- drums, bands etc
- is more pleasing to God than
- organs etc
That’s to do with styles and culture… not spirituality
So- (PPT) in one sense- it doesn’t matter to God… … and shouldn’t matter to US whether it’s
- 20, 50, 100 or 250 years behind culturally
- apart from ONE thing:
- “Church is the only society that exists for the benefit of its non-members!”
Jesus spoke of leaving the 99 sheep (PPT) to go and search for the one that went astray
Society is moving SO fast nowadays
- change of one generation, 25 years, takes place in 5 or less
- if we don’t always ask “how can I BETTER communicate this message… change the packaging (not the gift)”
we’ll fail!
- If we’re still doing it the same in 5 years time
We have failed
And THIS is an important thing- because it has to do with people’s very salvation!!
So- it’s GOOD to worship God in different ways (PPT, will autoshow Mr Bean)
- but to make Jesus boring to Seekers is a sin!
And so- we need to be honest. The church has failed (ppt)
- (PPT) we’ve failed by playing safe and pandering to Christians (fat sheep!)
o comforting & cuddling them
-> boring!
And have made the message and Jesus appear less attractive in doing so
- (PPT) but some of us have fallen off the other side of the log, as well
o particularly evangelical churches where, rightly, we believe people NEED to be saved and make CHOICE to follow Jesus
o we have concentrated on CONVERSION rather than discipleship…. And have sometimes resorted to ‘spin’, ‘hype’ to get folks there
haven’t prepared folks for a LIFE of walking with Him
And so- we try and be like Paul (PPT)
2 Cor 4:2 “…we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. “
And we try and make the message about Jesus attractive & TRUE (PPT)
Titus 2:10 “…in every way… make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive.”
2) It’s our fault! (PPT)
Truth is- anything’s boring, nowadays, (PPT)
- A)* compared to what TV, films, video games, Lord of the Rings, unreality, hype offers you
o but it IS unreal
o can’t live in it
- and we don’t have to compete… keep people hyped like that
o can’t! It’s not realistic! But I fear churches can try to
there is LEGITIMATE, unexaggerated excitement
• of God & who He is. Of His touch
• of sharing your faith! But CHURCH won’t/shouldn’t keep you high
- B) * If you’re ‘young’ (in years, faith or maturity) (PPT)
o “boring! I’m bored” (chance would be a fine thing!)
I remember finding love songs boring
• But then something happened around 13 (?17?!)… suddenly became interesting
o I’d started growing up!
- C)* if you’re heart’s cold (PPT)
Maybe if we find it boring (PPT)… can’t get anything out of it…. Are tripped up by the music etc
- it says more about US (PPT)
- depends more on us… than we imagine
Need to ask “Why do I not enjoy this… get anything out of it”(PPT)
- Illustr: I remember reading 1662 BOCP after I’d started to follow Jesus!
Great song: don’t let my heart grow cold
(PPT)- 2 Cor 13:5 tells us to test ourselves, examine ourselves and see whether we REALLY are in the faith… following Jesus
- it’s in the context of those who try and please by ‘hyping’ it up
(PPT) – 1 Cor 2:14 says you need the Spirit to understand… so logically… if it bores you and you don’t understand- make sure you’re not spiritually dead!
- believe and you will see (PPT)
When you realise what it’s truly about (PPT)
- it’s not boring at all
3) It needn’t be- Jesus isn’t! (PPT)
Okay- there ARE some occasions when it’s boring (or takes work/commitment!)
- but everything in life (PPT) is boring at times!
- Love (PPT) can be ‘boring’ (for want of a better word)
• If by that you mean table, the same, consistent
(PPT) But Jesus isn’t !
When you know the ONE who it’s all about. Your best friend. One who loves you. Watches over you. Has a purpose for your life
- & I’m going to be THERE, with Him after this
- (cf BBC2 on NDE Experiences, Wed)
- then it’s not boring at all!
Interview Gil Ratcliffe- what was church like before you came to faith… what happened when you ‘believed’?
And here’s the truth about church (PPT)
1- (PPT) the church is about Jesus and relating to HIM… not just THIS (building). There ain’t nothing boring about that relationship
2- (PPT) church is about PEOPLE… the ‘gathering’… and relating to them
• it’s about relationship with one another (and God)
o nothing boring there!
o And if it IS boring- then may I ask if it’s because you’re holding yourself back?
o – so… you come… occasionally… and feel isolated from God and others
o --- where MIGHT the problem lie?
o -------- it IS easily changed
3- (PPT) if you don’t “gather” with other Christians – you’ve had it
- the fire will go out!
- Illustr: spurgeon & coals
- (PPT) We SHOULD BE a place on fire. Setting each other on fire
- (PPT)- truth is- we’re often coals that keep their distance
- (PPT) – but this is what CAN happen. We can go out!
Trailblazers read:
Heb 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
And here’s the final truth about the church… with all her warts
4- Jesus loves her! (PPT)
- IS referred to as an institution, an entity. In Eph 5:25
- And it says Christ loves her as a husband loves a wife
- She is referred to as ‘the bride of Christ’ (rev 12)
- Trailblazers read Eph 5:25
- Husbands don’t like it when you criticise their bride!
• May even be blind to her faults, warts, clothing
(PPT) And we should love her too!
It’s a FAMILY (PPT)
- ie not perfect!
- with Jesus at the head
- of which you are a part, if you’re trying to follow Jesus
Join with it (PPT)
Journey with it (PPT)
(membership- or Rob mention later)
Over to Rob for Prayer and last song (& membership mention)
___________________
ORDER OF SERVICE AND DRAMA:
Sun 9th Feb 2003 All Age Service
Theme: “church is boring!”- true?
Worship leader: Rob Beamish, Speaker: Ewen
Opening Praise:
My Jesus, my Saviour
God’s love is the best love – (plus offering) Rob
I reach up high
Prayer of praise (and thanks for fun of ch and COGS etc)- Rob
Youngest Children go out
1) “Church is boring!”- it’s the church’s fault
Video snippet- Mr Bean in the church 6 mins Ewen
Vox- pops (of folks saying it’s boring and irrelevant) Robin/Jo
Mini-talk 1 Ewen
Prayer Trailblazers
(of us saying sorry for the times we, as the ch, have made Jesus boring)
O Lord, the clouds are gathering Rob
2) “Church is boring!” - it’s our fault
When the music fades Rob
Reading: Ewen to clarify nearer the time Phil 2:14, Heb 10:25? Ewen
Vox pops (if anyone obviously has an attitude problem, put them here!) Robin/Jo
Brief drama – Dave Simpkin & David Mayne David Simpkin/COGS/Fresh
(of someone ‘missing it’, or ‘missing something’ because of their attitude)
Mini-talk 2 Ewen
Prayer (of us saying sorry for when our attitude means we’ve missed it) Trailblazers
Dear Lord and Father Rob
3) “Church is boring!” - it needn’t be! Jesus isn’t!
When you know the one who it’s all about it’s not boring at all! It’s the best place to be, with God’s people and giving God what He’s due. Anyway- church isn’t ultimately about US (like we’re the audience) it’s about GOD (He’s the audience!)
Video snippet, ‘buddy Christ from Dogma 2’23” to 3’37” or 49” Robin
- right in that Jesus isn’t boring, wrong in that they re-created, changed, Jesus (in our image) rather than changing the way in which he was presented (the medium)
Vox pops (of anyone who really enjoys ch) Robin/Jo
Mini Talk 3 + interview of Gil Ratcliffe Ewen
Reading Andy/COGS
Heb 10: 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
EPH 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless
Prayer: Rob
Thanking God for church… His bride, and how we can grow together through it. We will remember to come!
There is a Redeemer Rob
Drama
9.2.2003 dv
MISSING THE POINT: A SKETCH
Two people on stage: one with a microphone, one wearing a hat.
MIKE: So, tell me - do you go to church?
HAT: Oh yes...
MIKE: Good, good. Why?
HAT: Why what?
MIKE: Why do you go to church?
HAT: Erm - what are the options?
MIKE: No, no, it’s not a test - I’m just asking...
HAT: Oh, right.
MIKE: So, why do you go to church?
HAT: Well, they do a lovely cup of coffee after the service...
MIKE: And?
HAT: And what?
MIKE: Just the coffee?
HAT: I’m sure they do tea as well, but for me it’s the coffee every time.
MIKE: So - you go to church, every week, for the coffee.
HAT: It’s good coffee. And - very important - it’s free. No overpriced cups of milky froth in my church...
MIKE: Really...
HAT: It’s true...
MIKE: Good... And that’s it?
HAT: Er - yeah, yeah, that’s about the size of it. I mean, obviously I have sit through an hour and a bit of singing and talking first, but it is very fine coffee.
MIKE: And, while you drink it, I suppose, you do get the chance to talk to other members of the congregation...
HAT: Sorry?
MIKE: Y’know - mix... talk... to...
HAT: No. Just focus on my coffee - really savour the moment...
MIKE: Do you...
HAT: Oh yes...
MIKE: And what about God?
HAT: Sorry?
MIKE: What part does God play in your church life?
HAT: No, you’ve lost me now...
MIKE: Y’know - God - the One they’re doing all the singing and talking about...
HAT: Oh, is that...?
MIKE: Yes.
HAT: Well, I never did...
MIKE: Clearly...
HAT: So, tell me a bout this God. What he got to do with church?
MIKE: Now, there’s a question - Ewen...
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