What's wrong with being relevant?

[MrMasterMind]

Lately many Oneness organizations have been speaking out vehemently against the "relevant" movement.

What is wrong with being relevant?

When did that become a bad thing?

What is to be gained by continuing to present the gospel in a manner that the "unsaved" consider to be irrelevant?

Was Jesus' message relevant?

[MissBrattified]

What does it mean to be relevant? (To you, I mean....)

[MrMasterMind]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

What does it mean to be relevant? (To you, I mean....)

The opposite of irrelevant.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by MrMasterMind

The opposite of irrelevant.

Oh...that is way too vague.

The Gospel is always relevant. However, people will never understand their need for it unless you find a way to interact with them. When we separate ourselves from the world to the extent that we no longer interact with unbelievers on a regular basis we simply remove our opportunities for evangelism.

To ME, what is meant by being "relevant" is really just, "I think we should hang out with people who need God."

The fear is, though, that fraternization will produce fellowship in such a way that the Christian becomes less so and the unbeliever sees nothing different to desire. Tricky little problem, because evil communications DO corrupt good manners. At some point, some corruption may be necessary to allow the church to do what it was meant to do.

In other words: We need to get our hands dirty.

That's what I think it means to be relevant. Meet needs. Like Jesus did. Without participating in the behaviors and lifestyles that destroy people--or offering tacit approval of the same. And then the Gospel can be shared in a way that is truly meaningful.

Perhaps the church should challenge its constituents to "Invite a sinner for dinner." (a non-relative, perhaps, to make it a little more difficult?) (Instead of inviting them to church.)

[MrMasterMind]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

Oh...that is way too vague.

The Gospel is always relevant. However, people will never understand their need for it unless you find a way to interact with them. When we separate ourselves from the world to the extent that we no longer interact with unbelievers on a regular basis we simply remove our opportunities for evangelism.

To ME, what is meant by being "relevant" is really just, "I think we should hang out with people who need God."

The fear is, though, that fraternization will produce fellowship in such a way that the Christian becomes less so and the unbeliever sees nothing different to desire. Tricky little problem, because evil communications DO corrupt good manners. At some point, some corruption may be necessary to allow the church to do what it was meant to do.

In other words: We need to get our hands dirty.

That's what I think it means to be relevant. Meet needs. Like Jesus did. Without participating in the behaviors and lifestyles that destroy people--or offering tacit approval of the same. And then the Gospel can be shared in a way that is truly meaningful.

Perhaps the church should challenge its constituents to "Invite a sinner for dinner." (a non-relative, perhaps, to make it a little more difficult?) (Instead of inviting them to church.)

Some good points, if the charge to the church is go forth and disciple nations, how can that be done without getting hands a little soiled dealing with individuals?

I am afraid we have some leaders whose faith is so weak as to believe interaction with the unchurched will somehow leave the "saints" themselves less than holy.

Perhaps is it time for new leaders or if necessary new fellowships to step forward.

[freeatlast]

Originally Posted by MrMasterMind

Some good points, if the charge to the church is go forth and disciple nations, how can that be done without getting hands a little soiled dealing with individuals?

I am afraid we have some leaders whose faith is so weak as to believe interaction with the unchurched will somehow leave the "saints" themselves less than holy.

Perhaps is it time for new leaders or if necessary new fellowships to step forward.

This is so sad !! My savior is my savior, he has power to keep me.

Sevearl years ago, my pastor told me, we would do good to "hold our own". He could not see this as a church that was going to grow.

That is what an IR relavant gospel will get you. Stagnation.

[MrMasterMind]

Originally Posted by freeatlast

This is so sad !! My savior is my savior, he has power to keep me.

Sevearl years ago, my pastor told me we would go to "hold our own". He could not see this as a church that was going to grow.

That is what an IR relavant gospel will get you. Stagnation.

More excellent points.

I missed the verse that said "Hold the fort I am coming"

But Matt 16:18 is where it says the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church.

[pelathais]

It has always been vogue to find the latest "sin" and be among the first to decry its influence. With the popularity of buzz words and way cool jargon in the publishing industry we have a seemingly endless supply of "errors" that need to be denounced before the rapture.

[MrMasterMind]

Originally Posted by pelathais

It has always been vogue to find the latest "sin" and be among the first to decry its influence. With the popularity of buzz words and way cool jargon in the publishing industry we have a seemingly endless supply of "errors" that need to be denounced before the rapture.

True, always has been, always will be.

However, I am more than a a little surprised to find such a complete condemnation and castigation of certain ministers for being "relevant"

[freeatlast]

Originally Posted by MrMasterMind

True, always has been, always will be.

However, I am more than a a little surprised to find such a complete condemnation and castigation of certain ministers for being "relevant"

We have a church service for the uner 30 crowd.

It is cafe style setting. Coffee and cinamon rolls etc.

Worship is conducted by two young men with acoustic guitars.

We call it, The Journey.....God help us ;-)