Generational differences

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I recently began a new ministry after a 3 year hiatus. During that time I had 3 interim ministries. I had heard for so long that churches are really struggling with the chorus versus hymn problem. For 25 years I was a minister in a rural church Iowa and they were very gracious about the slow changes we made in that area and we were able to keep our young people and young families. I have now entered this ministry and it is an all our debate and war. One group of people split from this church 2 years ago and I am beginning to see why. Anybody got any legitimate advice on how to narrow this gap. The older folks are in a tizy fit. And they should know better. There has not been a new family in this church for 2 years since the split, I should have asked more questions but this has never been an issue for me before. Thanks for your advice..This may be a short ministry.

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2000

Answers

Kenneth.....

It will be if you don't change your attitude.

Changes in churches such as the one you speak of come in years......not days.

You need to make up your mind right now. You are going to stay put for a while and work slowly to teach people out of their mindset (as opposed to telling them).

Or, start looking for a church where you can make changes overnight.

It sounds to me like you have a good opportunity for a "healing ministry" there in that church.

Someone has to do it. Why can't it be you??

In Christ,

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2000


Maybe shorter than you think...

I hope that is not your real name!

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2000


P.C. I would have to agree with Danny G. And, just to take it a step further, I believe that God has a say (or should) in matching up the Evangelist with the congregation. In this, I mean to say, His body has needs that when fulfilled, the body flourishes and is healthy. In other words, has life and life more abundantly.

Knowing the body, as only God does, He provides all that is needed for that body. When the parts of the body do that which is their function, and does it well, the body reaps the reward from that.

My question to you would be, what is the need of the congregation (body), in which it is your function to fulfill? If in truth, God has led you to that congregation by His will and not your own (or someone elses.) Assuming that God has led you to or allows you to minister there, you must then fulfill the function that He would have for you.

What is that need that you can fulfill? Is it to heal past hurts? Is it to clarify what are the imparatives from Scripture versus what are the traditions of man? Is your word there to prepare them for someone that God has in the wings to do a greater work then you?

My friend, you need to assess the spiritual condition and thus the needs of the congregation, and then ask God and yourself, "Am I the one that can fulfill the need(s)?" Once you determine the need(s), and when you determine your fitness to the fulfilling of said need (s), then your path becomes much more clear. You won't become distracted by things like style of music, color of carpet, whether the preacher should drive a toyota while the chairman of the elders drives a cadillac...... These and so many other questions gain a much more clear perspective when you consider their need(s) (as God sees them) and your fitness to fulfill those need(s).

Finally, if you approach this situation (and that is all that it is - a situation) from the standpoint of a concern over style of music, and one is better or more legitimate than the other) then you have lost before you start. Anyone on this forum and yourself, know without a shred of doubt, that the music is merely a symptom of real spiritual suffering. Therefore, to deal with the music is begging the issue. If you really want to serve these people, you need to 1. discern what their needs are

-- Anonymous, March 29, 2000


Sorry about that, sent the response prematurely,,,,

2. Teach the Elders what the needs are 3. Teach the Elders why it is important to fill those needs. 4. Teach the Elders how you and they can fulfill those needs. 5. Go through the same process with the congregation at large. (individually if necessary)

The work of the Kingdom is so very much worth it. (if that statement is grammatically allowed...) Each one in that congregation has a great opportunity to increase their faith in God through this challenge.

Remind them that Satan is the enemy, not each other. At the cost of each one's life,,,,, may satan never win!

Hang in there, be instant in season and out of season,,,, always ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you... and remember, (as we are wrestling with in another thread) it is the Holy Spirit's job to convict our souls of many things,,, not your job or mine. We are simply to speak the truth in love. Sometimes with gentleness and meekness, and sometimes with straight talk. Consider the needs of the individual and what will edify them the most. God will give you wisdom without holding back if you ask in faith. Give Him the credit for He deserves it all!

As we say here at the church in Bakersfield, Sic em! In the service of the victorious King, even Jesus Your brother Dave

-- Anonymous, March 29, 2000


Preach it, Dave! Truer words were never spoken.

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2000


As a quiet lurker to this forum I would like to caution everyone as to wisdom to sharing very personal Information bout the leadreships of your area churches. We are a small brotherhood and the intenet is a popular venue. So please be careful. I have been astounded at some of the information that has been expressed in this forum. I know Potter you just need to blow off steam and need some good counsel. My advice is just to seek it in a private settting with a trusted friend. Please understand this is said with Christian love and now I will go back to quietly lurking for several more months. Thanks.

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2000

This big fight over music in the church must be mostly an eastern or midwestern thing. I have belonged to several Christian churches in Southern California, Arizona and Washington and nobody has ever had any problems with new choruses or mixed types of singing in services.

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2000

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