When you think of the church what comes to your mind? It all depends on who you ask. If you ask someone who has been raised in church all their life, you may hear words that carry an established tone. Words like heritage, tradition & values. If you ask someone who has recently been born again or who is from a younger generation, you will probably hear words that are more relational. Words like friends, connection & acceptance. Today’s culture has a lot to do with the way we view the church. Depending on your generation you’re either attracted to a more conservative (traditional) church or a more modern (relational) church. More and more we are seeing a surge of the “Starbucks” environment. You know…the place where everyone knows your name and you’re accepted for who you are, over what you are. A place where rules and regulations are replaced with affirmation and acceptance.
You may be wondering how I view the church. Well…I envision a church that will continue to find the “bridge” that will attract, keep & grow a broad base of generations without compromising our message, morals & merit. As I look back over the past nine years at BFWC I see that along the way we’ve been challenged by today’s culture to adapt. I can view this as a negative or a positive – I can either learn to flow with the wave or fight against it.
Personally, I desire to see a church that is connecting with all generations at their present level of reception. Having said that, I do not believe the church has to compromise it’s message one ounce. We are a Pentecostal church – a church that believes in the influence of pure living and holiness accompanied with spiritual power. A church whose emphasis is on growing disciples and evangelizing the world. I envision a church that is distinct & diverse at the same time. A church that doesn’t leave a question mark in the thoughts of our community. A church that is known for its “specialty”. A church that draws a clear line in the sand. A church that is growing both inwardly (spiritual maturity) & outwardly (numerically).
Why can’t we be culturally relevant? We can - if we choose not to compromise our message but adapt our methods to connect with today’s culture. Traditional & relational are words that I’m very much open to. Words that blend the best of two perspectives.
