Hello all,
I guess I opened my mouth and will be facilitating the next cohort meeting. Though Indian food is not everyone’s favorite, it did provide a great place for discussion, so we’ll be meeting again at the Raj Mahal in Cuyahoga Falls (on State just north of Broad) at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 13.
An emerging feature that I have noticed in the last few years among Christians, especially evangelical ones, is what I refer to as “I-Tunes Spirituality.” Traditional Christianity “sold” a whole “album” of sorts; if you wanted the preaching somewhere, you accepted the lack-luster small groups, the lack of service opportunities, etc, because it was just expected that a Christian would commit to one church for all of their spiritual needs. That has changed. The I-Tunes Generation is not only used to picking and choosing their favorite songs and skipping on the whole album, but they are doing the same thing in their spirituality.
As an example, we have a guy who is a good friend of the house church I am a leader in. He goes to a mega-church for his primary spiritual food, then joins our group weekly for lunch, communion, and worship. At the same time, he leads a study at a third church during the week, and occasionally goes to an alternative worship service Sunday evenings at a fourth church.
This smorgasbord approach to spirituality has certainly affected the local church. But in what ways? Some questions for us to explore:
*What does this “I-Tunes” spirituality mean for local churches?
*What loyalty and commitment to local churches can and should be expected from Christians?
*Can local churches function under these conditions? If so, how can they adapt? If not, what can be done to change the situation?
*What does this selective spirituality mean for the relationship between shepherds (pastors) and the flock?
Below are a few passages to ponder:
1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (1 Peter 5:1-4)
17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. (Heb 13:17)
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God… 23 After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him… 25 But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. 26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. (Acts 9)
See you there, and look forward to hear everyone’s perspective!
Tony H.
