It is these famous words from actor Russell Crowe, from the 2000 Ridley Scott movie “Gladiator”, that burn in the back of my mind as I write this. See, in the past years I’ve seen a growing problem, but not by any means a new one. Even when we try not to indulge it, people are constantly searching for the entertainment value in going to church. In past years this has been a glaring problem in youth ministry. Youth ministry in many places was, and still is, defined by how they entertain the students. The problem is that this does not keep students coming today. Saying this from my own experience, as well as my observation of youth culture today, students, youth, young people, whatever you wish to call them, are looking for substance and will be let down by futile attempts to entertain them.
This has also been a problem in many new churches that seem only to seek to entertain their congregation, or better yet audience, with flash and glamour. We typically see this in the younger generations of adults. The question is why, why do younger generations flock to churches with entertainment value, yet end up leaving because they get nothing out of it? The answer to that is that believers, who have been a part of church since their youth, and even youth themselves, are looking for something new, but not the something you may think I’m referring to.
People so often think of churches that give entertainment are new, flashy churches, but the fact of the matter is people have been looking to be entertained by church for years! It doesn’t have to be a new, “contemporary” church, whatever that means anyway. Many older generations, in “traditional” churches only seek to be entertained by their church service, heaven forbid something be new or ordered different from their traditions. This is where we get debates on musical style preference, changes in worship order, and other issues of the like. This is the reason younger generations flock to that which entertains them, then leave because no substance is there. They are looking for something new from what they’ve been around their entire Christian life. Regardless of age or “style” we’ve gotten away from what worship really is. Here are a few reminders from scripture…
“And the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the people of
“And when all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise up and worship each at his tent door.”- Exodus 33:10
“Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of
2 Chronicles 20:18
“All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.”- Psalm 86:9
A specific theme is shown through these verses. Worship is response to God, for his teaching, for what he’s done in your life, not a time for you to come and be appeased by the music and have everything exactly the way it always is. We worship in spirit and truth, in response to a Holy Father, regardless of our futile traditions and preferences. So I ask you, people of all ages, why is it that you go to church? Is it to respond in worship to our Lord and be taught by his holy word, or do you just want to hear some “good music” and some good “ol’ fashion preachin’”?
“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.”- John 4:23
4 comments:
Awesome post, Ryan! Very insightful! There is a lot a guy like me continues to learn about your generation!
I just went to a church yesterday that was primarily about the entertainment. Sure, there were a lot of young people, but once the entertainment runs out, they'll leave. Christ is what keeps people, no matter what age.
Its good to be creative, but not to entertain people, to entertain God! Get the people in on the creative process that gives glory and points to God!
And Russell Crowe is the man.
I agree completely that today's culture wants substance; not simply entertainment. A church should never desire to merely entertain a congregation, the Gospel has to be the center of everything. But I think SO many times churches in decline point toward churches that are growing and say, "well, they're not really doing anything of substance over there... they're only entertaining people". Obviously that can't be true if people are looking for substance, right?
The church shouldn't use the Gospel as an excuse to be lame. Should entertainment be the goal? Absolutely not! But choosing to avoid "entertainment" should not lead churches to hold on to outdated ministry methods. There's a difference between entertaining people and engaging people, and I think too many times churches (and especially Southern Baptist churches... of which I'm born and raised) confuse the two.
Very cool thoughts! You may have inspired me to write a post of my own on the topic!
I would definitely agree! I as well come from a highly traditional Southern Baptist Church. I have seen many people from my home church, not all but many, rather keep their traditions and slowly fade than engage the people around them. This shows that they desire to be entertained by their service, rather than connect with God.
Great thoughts as well man!
Good thoughts man! Keep asking the hard questions.
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