There is a difference between a method and the message of Jesus. The Biblical message of Christianity never changes and is foundational to all that we do. What does change for New Song and every other healthy church are our methods. Often though, people freak out and criticize a method they don't like as if it were as sacred as the message. I have found that because I believe in grace, its better to have a lot of freedom for different methods of ministry. Sometimes churches do things that I don't agree with. Their methods may not be my methods, but if their message is biblical - what do I care? Praise God that he is using different methods to convey his unchanging message.
If you remember in the Bible, one of the biggest things the Pharisees criticized Jesus for was not following their methods. In Matthew 15:2 they said to Jesus, "Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don't wash their hands before they eat!" I don't want people to confuse me as a Pharisee, so I try to show grace when it comes to different methods as long as the message is biblical. Methods change over time, but if we are true to the Bible - our message never does.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
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Whoever quit the church over Willow Creek's Summit should look at this article from christianitytoday.com http://blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2007/10/willow_creek_re.html Hybels makes it clear that their methods are always under review and that they haven't been perfect. I just don't get why the doctrine police are out there in force trying to get the world to do things "their way". Isn't it clear that we all reach different people thru our different ministry styles? Where is the love here and the attempt to reach out? God our father will travel any road to find you and bring you to His son. ANY ROAD. He is interested in bringing you to the cross and if that happens at Willow, NewSong, or at the Catholic church-don't judge the methods
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