“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8 NASB)
I have often heard the term “old school” used to describe some churches, as compared to “new school” churches. The comparison usually strikes me the wrong way. In my head I say, “Should there really be a difference? Should people be leaving the church where there parents and grandparents worshipped to flock to a so-called “new school” styled church?” A problem or a risk arises when the debate rises to the ears of those who are susceptible to believing that their church is outdated or church as it was once known is outdated. Thus we have to be careful with how we label churches. From my point of view, which you may not agree with, there should never be the debate or a discussion of old school versus new school in the first place. Let me defend my position; let me tell you why I hold my viewpoint. Are you ready? Well. Here we go, a baker’s dozen of things for you to think about.
- God’s word is still the same. And, it is still profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.
- The sanctuary is still a holy place, not an event venue.
- Pastor and preachers are charged with preaching the word, embracing preaching as opposed to excelling in public speaking or a unique dramatic style as their major aim. Let the Lord use you, all He has gifted you with, but let it be about Him and not you. The listener still needs to know what the word of God says, what it means, and what it means to them.
- God always sends a specific message, at a specific time, for a specific purpose, by a specific messenger.
- Christ still must be preached; crucified and resurrected.
- Brick and mortar, regardless of “style” is not really “the church,” but the church, the body of Christ, is made up of many members and Christ is the head. The church is still an organism more so than an organization.
- The church never was meant to be a business, but it is to always be in the business of making disciples; recruiting them and retaining them, per the Great Commission.
- The decibels of musical sound and the creativity used in composing words must still contain truth found in the word. As long as the choir is singing to that standard, they can never be classified as a “bad choir.
- The Lord’s house is still a house of prayer.
- Love for one another is still a key principle.
- Saving others versus showing off for others is still our purpose.
- The special presence of the Lord is still experienced in the sanctuary, whether it is grand stage or not.
- Whether soft chairs or hard, wooden pews, it will not make a difference when you assemble together to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth. Now that’s “style.”
Listen, don’t cause anyone to drift away from the church by debating “old school” versus “new school.” Just be the church built on the Rock! Have a great worship experience today! Be edified! Exalt the Lord! Expresses your gratefulness to the God! Lift up Jesus! Come out of worship service better, not for the day, but for life. Be blessed!
“So, my dear Christian friends, companions in following this call to the heights, take a good hard look at Jesus. He’s the centerpiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do.” (Hebrews 3:6 The Message Bible)
Mark L. King