Six Physical Factors That Affect Your Worship Service (Rick Warren)

The Christian Post ^ | Thu, Mar. 08 2007 10:04 AM ET | Rick Warren

[GOPPachyderm]

Churches built to glorify God are inspirational. Using Disneyland type techniques to manipulate worship is something else.

[Gamecock]

You want no part in this, but don't hesitate lob one in my direction as you bow out.

So which is it?

[Sue Perkick]

Missing the point here. One of these days a bed of nails is going to be the least thing you will have to deal with. Some Christians are going to suffer for the faith, including die.

If the true gospel of Jesus Christ is preached, we can tolerate some discomfort & inconveniences. It's nothing compared to what is to come.

[Terriergal]

yep. ("don't forget to stop and get your kneepads in the foyer before the service")

[Terriergal]

What is so offensive in implementing the Great Commission, that you would feel the need to bash another Christian?

Oh, I dunno. Why don't you go ask Paul?

[Sue Perkick]

No it's not. It's Rick Warren & the seeker sensitive movement. This is what people have been trying to get others to see for a long time.

[Terriergal]

Figure out what mood you want your service to project and then create it.

Many young people are goths. Or they have a fatalist-type approach. I wonder if he's got venues for those yet?

[Terriergal]

I sure am glad that Christ didn't find that suffering on the Cross for my sins inconvenient and uncomfortable.

(Stifling guffaw)

and good point with Mary and Martha.

[GOPPachyderm]

Yes, our church too gives consideration to enhancing worship through the physical surroundings. We want to direct the glory to God. The items on the Rick Warren list seem to be (please sing with me) "all about me, and all this is for me!"

God is a God of order and beauty. There is nothing wrong with these considerations, except when it becomes a matter of pandering to people who aren't willing to experience some possible discomfort in finding a place to park or sit! Wouldn't it be wonderful to sit on a dirt floor and listen to the Apostle Paul talk about Christ?

[Terriergal]

why are you so quick to give glory to Warren?

He must have drank some of the Saddleback koolaid Cappucino in the Starbuck's venue.

[Terriergal]

Inadequate lighting dampens the spirit of a service.

But what about emergents, who are just as avante garde as the PDChurch once was, who are actually enjoying the dim light and candles etc.? (not endorsing Emergent here at all...)

And heaven forbid that we should be downcast, that might make people feel repentant!

[Terriergal]

Yawnnnnn, I'll have no part of this. Go in Peace.

I see a copout there...

Who are you to judge the servant of another?

Exactly, I wish Rick wouldn't do that! it sure is divisive.

[Terriergal]

Where's my latte?!!

And #7 make sure you have enough good coffee. People will not stick around if you keep running out.

[Terriergal]

Even the Muslim's are catching on to Warren's methods.

And we KNOW they're purpose driven!

To the muslims, I say go for it, if it weakens their religion like it weakens Christianity. However, it's more likely that it strengthens/multiplies false teaching as it dilutes the truth.

[Terriergal]

so that would mean that the most important thing is the MESSAGE!

You nailed it! All this other stuff is just trappings, as people say. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God!"

[Suzy Quzy]

I'm sorry but Rick Warren looks CREEPY!! That goattee....yukky....looks dirty.

[Suzy Quzy]

It's all about US!!! Our COMFORT!! Good thing his church doesn't have KNEELERS!!! That would set him off.

[good old days]

If you are planting a new church always set up less chairs than you need. It's encouraging to your people when additional chairs must be brought in as people arrive.

Unbelievable!

[Terriergal]

Read post 34 about why you MUST judge, why you are COMMANDED to judge (and judge and examine yourself as well because by the measure you judge, you shall be judged) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1798332/posts?page=34#34

Acts 20:30-31 Even from among your own selves men will come to the front who, by saying perverse (distorted and corrupt) things, will endeavor to draw away the disciples after them [to their own party]. Therefore be always alert and on your guard, being mindful that for three years I never stopped night or day seriously to admonish and advise and exhort you one by one with tears.

[Terriergal]

It's all about mindgames.